But he is prepared to name the toughest opponents he has encountered in the midfield battle zone he inhabits with such distinction. 'The one player who has really stood out for me this season is Luka Modric,' he says. 'He's a class player and really hard to play against. Jack Wilshere, too. He's done exceptionally well and I saw first hand, away with England, what a good player he is; how mature he is.

In awe: Parker has been impressed by Luka Modric's performances

'Modric is difficult to play though, difficult to pick up. He's obviously quite small, he's got a low centre of gravity. Technically he's very good. He's got all the attributes. He's got a turn of pace, too.'