Key Highlights
- Troy Parrott’s move to Dutch football with AZ Alkmaar revitalized his career.
- Parrott scored 10 league goals for Excelsior before joining AZ in 2023.
- At AZ, Parrott became the club’s most expensive signing and scored crucial goals.
- Doubts about Parrott’s abilities at a higher level were proven wrong during his first season with AZ.
Troy Parrott’s Journey in Dutch Football
In 2023, Troy Parrott found new life in the Netherlands when he joined Alkmaar-based football club AZ. This move marked a significant turnaround for the Irish striker who had struggled to establish himself with Tottenham Hotspur.
Excelsior’s Unlikely Signing
Parrott’s arrival at Excelsior, one of the lower-tier clubs in Dutch football, was met with skepticism. Despite his notable surname and previous success at Tottenham, many doubted that he could make an impact for such a small club. Nonetheless, Parrott managed to score 10 league goals, showcasing his finishing skills.
The AZ Alkmaar Gambit
After an impressive stint with Excelsior, Parrott’s transfer to AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2023 was a bold move. The club, which had finished fourth in the previous season, was looking for a new center-forward after Vangelis Pavlidis moved to Benfica. The purchase price set a record for the best part of two decades at AZ.
Parrott’s debut for his new team was memorable.
He scored four goals during a 9-1 victory over SC Heerenveen, delighting fans who threw an inflatable parrot at him as a sign of appreciation. His performances continued to impress, with crucial wins against Ajax and AS Roma.
Challenges and Triumphs
While Parrott quickly became the star for AZ, his initial struggles at a higher level were evident. A notorious interview where he picked himself over other top strikers like Alexander Isak highlighted some skepticism about his abilities. Parrott also missed crucial penalties in important matches.
The Dutch Cup offered an opportunity to win a trophy and prove doubters wrong.
Despite a favorable draw, AZ faced setbacks. Parrott struggled in the semi-final against Heracles Almelo and missed a penalty. However, he redeemed himself by scoring in the final before being substituted due to injury. His absence allowed Mexx Meerdink to shine.
Parrott’s Season Cements Place at AZ
Throughout the season, Parrott continued to score crucial goals for AZ. By the end of 2023, he had scored 13 times and secured his place in the starting lineup. His performances on the international stage further solidified his importance to the club.
As the new year began, Parrott faced competition from Meerdink, who had also shown promise.
However, AZ’s management ultimately chose to keep Parrott as their primary striker. The club’s success in the Conference League qualifiers and subsequent performances underscored Parrott’s value to the team.
FUTURE PROJECTIONS
With Parrott now a well-established player at AZ Alkmaar, speculation about his future is likely. A January move to another top European club could be on the horizon, given his demonstrated ability and recent performances. Fans of both AZ and Tottenham Hotspur will be watching closely as Parrott’s career continues to evolve in Dutch football.
