Whilst I'm sure that wont happen and needs must at the moment I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him play CB again. As good as he was against City at RB he was equally as poor against West Brom (tbf though that Tchoyi does look a real handful as proved again today)
How good is Chris Smalling?
- Thread starter Plechazunga
- Start date
Whilst I'm sure that wont happen and needs must at the moment I'm definitely looking forward to seeing him play CB again. As good as he was against City at RB he was equally as poor against West Brom (tbf though that Tchoyi does look a real handful as proved again today)
His pure potential is ridiculous, to the extent I honestly can't see him living up to it.
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The two best central defenders in the world for the last five years. Both with extreme strengths but each with a slight weakness. The reason they are such an awesome partnership is that each of their slight weakness' matches up perfectly with the others biggest strength.
The scary thing about Smalling is that he has both of their strengths (although not quite to the same extent yet) and no noticeable weakness. All he really has to do as he gains experience is to read the game better and it's amazing to think of what he could be like in 6 or 7 years. Some kind of Rio-Vida combination all wrapped up in one man, with a bit of extra size thrown in for kicks and giggles.
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic. The two best central defenders in the world for the last five years. Both with extreme strengths but each with a slight weakness. The reason they are such an awesome partnership is that each of their slight weakness' matches up perfectly with the others biggest strength.
The scary thing about Smalling is that he has both of their strengths (although not quite to the same extent yet) and no noticeable weakness. All he really has to do as he gains experience is to read the game better and it's amazing to think of what he could be like in 6 or 7 years. Some kind of Rio-Vida combination all wrapped up in one man, with a bit of extra size thrown in for kicks and giggles.
What would you say are Rio's weaknesses? Other than his fitness I cant think of any tbh
Vidic I guess you could possibly point a slight lack of pace but even that would be a harsh criticism
Vidic can be rash and daft occasionally, giving away needles free kicks, getting needless bookings.
Call me silly but for me Chris is already amongst top 7 central defenders in the world, I'm a huuuuge admirer.
Yeah I guess that's the most fair criticism you could throw at Vidic
Add to that: he's like Rio in that he is calm and rarely gives away free kicks or gets booked. Plus he's rarely injured, which is one of his key assets and is why he's more important to the side than either of the twins.
Needs to be a bit more consistent with his distribution, but improving in stature by the game and is also a goal threat from set pieces and showing some versatility at right back.
Rio can occasionally struggle a little against big powerful strikers. Not often, but does happen every now and then. Even in 07/08 (arguably the best season any defender in the world has had in the last decade - only Nesta can argue) I remember he had a horror match against some mid- or lower-table powerhouse striker. For the life of me I can't remember who it actually was though. But those are the types that Vida eats for breakfast.What would you say are Rio's weaknesses? Other than his fitness I cant think of any tbh
Likewise, Vidic will occasionally find it difficult against speedy skilful attackers. And those are the ones Rio shuts down entirely.
LuaLua and Yakubu when they were at Portsmouth?
Where was Bale in the 2nd half?
Hardly a mention in the MOTM thread. Strange.
You actually saw him in the first half?
I think Bale did fine in the first half. Was speedy and caused several problems on the left flank.
His touch and passing are becoming freakishly good, rapidly!
I honestly think this kid is going to be the best defender in the world. He just learns so quick, got everything needed physically and takes to every challenge thrown at him like duck in water.
He's going to get competition tough by Phil Jones and Evans! Could it be that Smalling actually cements his place at RB permanently? *Knee-jerk-alert*
I honestly think this kid is going to be the best defender in the world. He just learns so quick, got everything needed physically and takes to every challenge thrown at him like duck in water.
He's going to get competition tough by Phil Jones and Evans! Could it be that Smalling actually cements his place at RB permanently? *Knee-jerk-alert*
To think this lad was playing non-league a few seasons ago, now he's one of the best young defenders in the world. Plus, he's shown he can easily adapt to the right back position too.
Beast of a player.
Beast of a player.
I can see the Jones and Smalling pairing being the rock upon which a very credible challenge for England's world cup effort is built.
Come 2014...I doubt there will be a better CB pairing anywhere.
Come 2014...I doubt there will be a better CB pairing anywhere.
He wasn't even playing in his natural position and he contained the Prem player of the year with ease as well as making runs down the right.
Our defence
Our defence
Somebody forgot to tell him to stop running at half time. I think he's almost in Newcastle now.
I love it when he goes up for aerial battles. Such power and conviction.
This guy is good, so much natural ability, strong in the air, silky on the ground, great pace. How was he playing non league 3 years ago...sure some club should have scouted him long before then by age 14.
Many clubs did scout him. Fulham got him...but the fact we got this lad for what...10 million?
daylight robbery...
love that agent Woy
He's a bloody beast. How envious must the likes of Arsenal be?
I've never seen a youngster develop this fast. He had what, less than 30 games of first team football before joining us? During what, 5-6 years?
Unbelievable.
Unbelievable.
Even out of position he continues to produce and not too long ago he was playing non-league football. Its remarkable. This is a guy who didn't have the benefits of the United academy but plays in a way that makes you think he learned his craft at Old Trafford from he was knee high. Outstanding. Even better at centre-half too which is a little shocking...World class in the making.
I had him 4th behind Rooney, Jones & Anderson.
He looks so comfortable anywhere across the back line and his pace is so good it seems criminal to have him at centre back.
I can see him getting a fair few games at RB this season if not just to keep him playing.
Like I said in the Jones thread - those 2 together just seems unfair.
A forward thinking England setup ie Manager & FA would do well to seriously think about integrating players like Smalling, Jones, Cleverley & Welbeck now for a proper challenge in 2014. But they won't.
But if they have seemingly given Wilshere a go then I really can't see how Jones & Smalling can be far behind.
mate...you dont have to be too forward thinking.
The proof is right in front of their eyes.
I honestly see an amazing England team emerging...with Rooney the gem.
Of course but this is England we are talking about, if anyone can feck it up they can.
I'll have him second only to Rooney when I find my way in there, with Anderson third.
I think it's great that Englands producing quality after a spell of accepting shite. Smalling has come from no where and not only convinced people he's good enough, but he's shown he's got ability. Hopefully, they can maintain the hunger and desire to want to give everything
He's as good as Phil Jones. Which is fairly high praise at the moment.
I remember watching him play a few years back for my hometown team. Not in a million years did I ever begin to believe that the gangly Afro haired boy I saw then would become such an integral part of Manchester uniteds present and future. Well done Chris!
At this rate, we could have
Smalling, Jones, Cleverly, Rooney and Welbeck all vying for a place in England XI. Exciting times ahead even for all english fans with a lot of up coming talent around the permier league.
Smalling, Jones, Cleverly, Rooney and Welbeck all vying for a place in England XI. Exciting times ahead even for all english fans with a lot of up coming talent around the permier league.
He's the latest in a long line of United defenders with strangely shaped heads.
Looks a bargain buy, considering the stupid transfer money being spent by other clubs.
Makes the right decision almost every time. Positional play is outstanding, he doesn't stop running, strong, has some skill.
Could go on. He is going to be a seriously good player.
Could go on. He is going to be a seriously good player.
silly Jacob.
in fairness Smalling is good, especially considering his age. the experience he gained last season when he was called to fill in seems to be have made his progression even faster than I'd have thought possible.
long may he continue dominating all over the field.
We're missing John O'Shea in my opinion