Burnley FC: Scott Parker must make defensive switch to get the best out of Luca Koleosho - View | OneFootball

Burnley have struggled for goals in recent games and one key defensive switch-up could boost their attacking output

Burnley remain one of the lead candidates for an automatic promotion spot after a strong start to their season - but with goals having dried up in recent games, one key defensive switch could unlock the talents of winger Luca Koleosho.

The Clarets began the season in fine form, beating Luton Town 4-1 away from home on the opening weekend of the season before a 5-0 drubbing at home to Cardiff City sent them top of the league in an emphatic manner. However, nine goals in their first two games have been followed up by just five goals in their last six games - and Scott Parker will want to remedy that.

The Clarets had a mass exodus following those two games, which won't have helped matters - with the likes of Wilson Odobert, Zeki Amdouni, Anass Zaroury and Wout Weghorst all departing the club late into the window - but the depth in their squad means that they still have plenty of attacking talent.

However, the way Parker sets his side up is key to how Burnley fashion chances, let alone finish them - and with a key defensive shake-up at the back, the Clarets could reap the rewards in transition.

How Scott Parker can change Burnley's fortunes going forward

Connor Roberts is Burnley's first-choice right-back, but with the Welshman out injured and summer signing Shurandy Sambo out of the first-team picture, it has seen Chelsea loanee Bashir Humphreys play at right-back.

The former Swansea City loan star is a superb defender at second-tier level, but he's left-footed and more adept in the heart of defence or even on the left-hand side, due to his predominantly strong foot. But Parker has seen fit to feature him on the right, and whilst he's fine defensively, his chance creating going forward naturally leaves a lot to be desired in terms of his build-up play on his weaker foot.

Other options such as CJ Egan-Riley, who has been a first-choice centre-back in recent weeks, could come into the fold. And with the former Manchester City youngster being right-footed, his link-up play with players on that side of the field, including Koleosho, would be a lot better.

Koleosho has had a strong start but he could improve further

Koleosho has two goals in seven games, with one of those coming against Cardiff when Burnley had a full-strength squad, and one against Leeds United, where he capitalised on a Manor Solomon slip to burst down the right-hand side and score on the counter.

But in recent games against Portsmouth, Oxford United and Plymouth Argyle, Koleosho has struggled in terms of creating chances and that has spread to the entire team. Whilst the Clarets have been in fine form and haven't lost, just two goals from open play against the aforementioned trio isn't ideal for a club that has come down from the Premier League and with Roberts' involvement still unknown, Parker may be better swapping the two defenders to unleash the evident potential that the Italy youth star has at this level.

Koleosho was reportedly the subject of a £25million bid from Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer, and although he's not an 'output' winger in the sense that it is his pace and trickery that is his best asset, having more of the ball and better quality chances will positively impact not only him, but the team too.

So, whilst it seems strange to suggest a defensive switch could unleash Burnley's best attacking outlet, there's sense in the argument. Crisper build-up down the right channel of the side will allow Koleosho the structure to do serious damage consistently, rather than relying on moments to show his class.