It's strange that even though both Bailly and Rojo were much worse than Smalling, it's Smalling who gets the brunt of the criticism.
I know! Why is this? Perhaps it's Smalling's looks or lack there of ? Is it coz he's tall, gangly, awkward, & generally unattractive? Still as you say, rarely the worst defender on the day, yet most harshly criticized on the caf.
Bailly has the potential to be a great CB possibly World Class, but it's clear he needs someone with experience next to him. Smalling is our most experienced PL defender, therefore it makes sense why Mourinho partners those two together. Rojo and Bailly are both too rash and quick to slide into the tackle to really be trusted (imo) Jones needs to prove his fitness still.
I wouldn't be adverse to signing a new CB, but it wont be a replacement for Smalling, it's clear Mourinho rates him.
Agree with you again! Smalling is far from perfect but less likely than most, to let us down. His ability in the air is a beloved trait at least in Mourino's mind, and rightly so imho.
I can't believe we're still having this debate - Smalling is nowhere close to being a leader. He is NOT a leader, if you put him alongside a true leader like a Vidic, Stam etc, he'd look really good coz he isn't a bad CB at all. He's just nowhere near confident or skilled enough to be the main man in the CB partnership.
We need a leader beside Baily, that much is clear. I'm not blaming Smalling for not being one. I'm just saying given his age and experience, him not being one puts his place in the XI at risk.
So many on here are slagging Smalling for not being a "leader". Is this based on going to games and watching & listening or from your armchair? I'd like to hear from regular match-goers who can see & hear whats happening on the pitch & when the camera is focused elsewhere.
Look, I know he's no Roy Keane, but few were/are. I think Smalling takes the responsibility of captain very seriously and that has helped him mature into a top CB which has in turn benefited United. He has been a regular choice (if not 1st choice) CB for going on six years now ... long before LVG?
Not a fan of colloquial slang terms then?
I'm defensive over all of our players, I think you'll find that I give credit and criticism to all of them when it's due. You'll find me defending Fellaini occasionally too.
I've said multiple times that some of our fans make out that especially when it comes to our CB pairings it has to be either Jones & Rojo or Bailly & Smalling or what other combination they prefer, when in reality all 4 of our defenders are at a similar level and each have their individual strengths and weaknesses.
Bailly has the highest ceiling, Smalling is the most experienced, Jones is the most composed, and Rojo has surprised us all.
What I will say is that Smalling gets a more criticism than the others and for that, I don't understand, which is why I defend him more than the others. There's many more people willing to pounce on any mistake he makes, one poster even commented that Smalling inevitably made a mistake in a match he didn't even watch.
Well said mate!
What infuriates me about Smalling is that he is sometimes slow to react, especially to grounded balls/crosses played into the box. I get the impression that we are most vulnerable to those when Smalling is one of our CB. Even against Southampton, he didn't react fast enough for their first (valid) goal. While Rojo and Bailey were undoubtedly worse in the last game, I don't see even Smalling as some one who can ever be as good as Rio/Vidic were.
Smalling may/will never be as talented/good as Rio & or Vidic ... no argument form me there, but you'll die early if you consider Smalling's play
infuriating; won't be good for your blood pressure
. He does far more well than he does poorly; take solace in the good & keep your glass half full ... you'll live longer
Signing a top-drawer, experienced, sturdy CB is imperative this summer - one of Smalling, Jones or Rojo will be sold and the remaining two will battle with Bailly to partner this new signing regularly. Tuanzebe as understudy.
I'm not so sure. If Jose is to be believed, and we bring in 2, 3 or maybe 4 players I'm not so sure a CB will be one of them. Notwithstanding the 2 goals against S'ton, the defense has been pretty solid for quite some time now, at least through the middle. One of the three new players will have to be a LB, another to replace Carrick and another will be up front. Not likely to see another CB