Spain's Iniesta is tackled by England's Parker during their international friendly soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London
Spain's Andres Iniesta (R) is tackled by England's Scott Parker during their international friendly soccer match at Wembley Stadium in London, November 12, 2011. REUTERS

Tottenham Hotspur legend David Ginola has highlighted the importance of Scott Parker to Spurs' eye-catching revival this season.

The £5.5 million summer signing has been regularly championed as one of the players of the season to date and certainly one of the shrewdest bits of business by Harry Redknapp, and Ginola believes Tottenham have certainly benefited from the midfielder's all action displays.

The former France international admits he has been surprised by Parker's impact at Tottenham this season but suggests the 31-year-old has been instrumental in knitting together the defence and midfield, as well starting attacks.

"Spurs have spent their money wisely on very accurate players." The former Tottenham winger told the London Evening Standard. "Rafael van der Vaart has been tremendous; they're thinking about signing Emmanuel Adebayor permanently, which would be a good idea; and, for me, Scott Parker is the surprise of the season so far.

"He has been the anchor of the midfield, the guy who makes things happen from the back to the front. He can defend, get the ball, track back and create opportunities for players like Luka Modric, Aaron Lennon, Bale and Van der Vaart." The Tottenham legend concluded.

Last month, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp also praised Parker, intimating the midfielder had emerged as a crucial player for Tottenham on and off the pitch.

Redknapp, who is the son of Tottenham manager Harry, believes Parker is the on-pitch embodiment of the Spurs boss and a focal point for the team.

"Dad bought Scott Parker and he has been a revelation." The former Tottenham midfielder told the Daily Mail in December.

"Not just on the pitch, but off the pitch. He manages in the dressing room, sets the example and leads on the training pitch. And you can tell Modric likes playing with him, they trust each other."

Parker was forced off during Tottenham's 1-1 draw against Swansea and the midfielder will face a late fitness test prior to Spurs' match against West Brom on Tuesday.

London