Scott Parker wants ‘more leaders like Aleksandar Mitrovic’ after witnessing his rousing speech

Scott Parker is hoping to see more leadership in the dressing room after witnessing a rousing speech by Aleksandar Mitrovic after Fulham’s defeat by Wolves last week.

Mario Lemina, who was in tears after Adama Traore’s last-gasp winner at Craven Cottage, revealed earlier this week that Mitrovic had given a passionate address.

‘It’s definitely something I welcome,’ said Parker. ‘It’s something I want more of, it’s something that in this day and age we’re probably losing a little bit of.

‘I think in teams — and in very good teams — you have big characters and personalities, people that speak, people that lead by example and that’s what you want. I think that’s the key thing: your words and your actions. 

‘It’s easy to talk, but we need action from every one of these players.

‘Certainly leadership and a real personality at times (is important) and even more so in the situation that we’ve been in for large parts. 

‘It’s very easy to shy away from things, but you need to stand up and you need to be counted.’

Fulham, who are 18th, six points behind Newcastle in 17th, visit Arsenal on Sunday. ‘Let’s go to the Emirates, put on a very good performance, a good display all round,’ said Parker. ‘But ultimately what we need to do is try and get a result.’