It's an obvious point but regular games and experience for a lad with all the raw attributes really do make a quality centre back. If Smalling gets a run of about 30 - 40 games next year then I would expect him to kick on in his prime and really become an important player for united. He needs the next manager to trust him as a centre back though and not play him out of position. He also needs a bit of luck on the injury front.
How good is Chris Smalling?
- Thread starter Plechazunga
- Start date
he is very fast. He saved a certain goal...with how he caught up on the striker.
Now that both Vidic and Rio will be gone...I don't see why he wont be playing regular. Smalling/Evans would be my first choice.
Now that both Vidic and Rio will be gone...I don't see why he wont be playing regular. Smalling/Evans would be my first choice.
People don't notice it because he does it so effortlessly. It was Shane Long who he made look pedestrian, and he's far from slow. Welbeck said he was the hardest defender to get past in training, and I don't doubt that for a minute. He's tougher than Rio was, similar pace, but he lacks Rio's technical abilities. Put him next to a ball playing defender and he will be sublime.
Whats now with the Smalling bashing? He's a great defender who will only get better. He should start when fit.
As for Varane, a lot is potential sure, but I doubt he's already world class. Plus, he has only 13 League games this season, was he injured or just not picked?
As for Varane, a lot is potential sure, but I doubt he's already world class. Plus, he has only 13 League games this season, was he injured or just not picked?
I don't know why some are concerned about Smalling starting.
I don't care if we have to spend 20 million on a right back aslong as it stops jones and Smalling from being played there. It's a pisstake it's been going on for so long.
Injured and hasn't been able to displace Pepe or Ramos since coming back.
I would agree if it was some other league, but considering the physicality and other attributes required for the premier league like speed, i think Van Gaal might still go with Smalling
I think Smalling is good on the ball, the problem is that he's a pretty poor passer of the ball. So many times he will break out of defence but not really know what to do next and end up just playing it back. Evans on the other hand is good on the ball but he also has a good pass on him. Not a huge issue but Smalling's distribution is his main area of weakness I think.
Really good performance I thought, was actually bailing out his defensive partner at times. With regards to LVG, if he wants to play any sort of pressing game rather than sit back, he'll need defenders with pace who can keep a high line. Smalling is probably our fastest CB in terms of top speed.
He needs to be given a chance to be our starting CB. Whether he partners Evans, Jones or a new CB i'm not sure. IMO though, it is Smalling +1
Do find it strange that jorunos rate Jones more highly than Smalling in terms of talent. I'm guessing there passing this on his poor performances at RB sadly. Smalling has to play from now on at CB. He's 24 now and its crucial he gets game time there.
Smalling, Jones, and Evans have all regressed over the past two years. Very disappointing, I believed all three of these players to have brilliant potential at one point.
Ok.
I wouldnt go as far as saying Smalling and Jones have regressed but yes, they could have definitely been further ahead in terms of development. Playing them at RB doesnt help either. Evans has come along well though.
Are there many better centre-backs in the league at one-on-ones than him? He's so quick, imposing, and has a great stand tackle. Probably his best feat.
Hard to say, mate. Moyes has been changing the back four so many times, some players simply got brainf*cked in the end.
It is strange. Sky Sports News just showed the results of the England squad vote from the Sky Sports website. Jones was voted in, but Smalling wasn't. I think it's just generally non-United fans who don't see the quality in Smalling. I imagine Jones also catches the eye because because he's throwing himself about and blocking shots with his face. Desperate defending always seems to win plaudits over defenders who make it look easy.
Thats the trouble, they see that combative nature of Jones and think it is the be all and end all of defending. As much as Vidic was a warrior in defence with those types of challenges and battles, he was also brilliant in the air and a great tackler. Jones doesn't have those qualities at all yet. Where as Smalling is good in the air, gaining composure on the ball the more he plays, has good pace and a decent tackler. I am hoping Jones will improve but right now the only thing he has over Smalling is his versatility. He is an okay RB, offers nothing going forward though, and he does a decent job in the CM role when we need that more defensively minded player. But at CB, I would have Smalling every day of the week over Jones currently.
Wait can I get the link? I can't find it.
Seriously.. people have know idea about Smalling. They only see his right back performance, well obviously he played more as a right back. But when he plays as a centre back he's really good. Probably at the moment the most potential future available centre back for England. I don't rate Jones this season.
Yep. Arsenal fan at work thinks he's garbage and should be on the summer cull list.
I know a few United fans who also don't rate him. I think the RB performances cloud their judgement though.
I have to admit he hasn't progressed as much as I thought he would over the last couple of seasons but he does the job when called upon very well and the more he plays the quicker he gets better.
He won't be able to progressed if he keeps playing as a right back.
I haven't seen it on their website. Maybe it was up a few days ago. I just saw the results on SSN.
Probably to be taken with a pinch of salt though, as Lampard and Glen Johnson were in it.
http://www1.skysports.com/FIFA-World-Cup-2014/england/squad-selector/most-popular-squad
Here's the link.
I too find it odd that even though a lot of United fans recognise him as out best CB other fans seem to think he's woeful.
Here's the link.
I too find it odd that even though a lot of United fans recognise him as out best CB other fans seem to think he's woeful.
You're not wrong here but the fact that we have a shit midfield doesnt help our defenders either. I hate when Rio starts hoofing the ball forward but too often there is no other option for our defenders
He is the best CB at the club IMO, but that image get's ruined by him playing at RB. Just because he is a good athlete does not mean he should be shoe horned into the team, especially for his height.
Now that Vidic is gone it should be Smalling + 1 in my eyes. Let the rest battle it out for the other slot.
I think Hodgson rates him also, I fancy him and Cahill being the first choice pairing for the world cup.
Now that Vidic is gone it should be Smalling + 1 in my eyes. Let the rest battle it out for the other slot.
I think Hodgson rates him also, I fancy him and Cahill being the first choice pairing for the world cup.
Welbeck? He would struggle to get past a cone!
I hope not - Jagielka should be playing over Smalling.
You guys seem to really rate him - but for me he's not good enough (and yes I've seen him play CB as well as RB). he's still young, but there are better and younger CB's out there. If you guys want to improve you need at least 1 top class CB, and then play smalling / jones there next to the new guy (and don't keep popping them in RB) and see if they improve with proper playing time.
Welbeck didn't struggle to get past ribery, Martinez and boateng. I assume from your opinion the cone itself is better than Bayern Munich players
hahaJones has the potential to be good at everything defensively, whereas Smallng has trouble on the ball and Evans lacks the natural athleticism of the other 2, but I still have no idea how to rank them.
I'm inclined to think Smalling is the one who looks least trouble by other attackers, so I'd probably have him highest, and he wouldn't be the first great CB to be considered poor on the ball. I think Des Walker was, and Sol Campbell wasn't anything special on the ball. Pepe's not great on the ball, but not noticeably awful either.
It will be interesting to see how the new manager rates those 3, and if he brings in another. Kind of feels like the best course of action might be to skimp a bit at CB by just picking up Rio's option for one final year (He's looked okay the last 3 or 4 games) and letting the 3 young CB's get first crack at starting with nobody in their way, then after a year of evaluation, the new Manager can decide if he wants to buy a starting CB as Rio leaves, or a cheaper, younger reserve CB to back up our new entrenched starters.
Save a bit of money at CB and use it to go get some CM's, an LB and if there's any left, another CM, and if there's any left after that and the new Manager doesn't have some intense love for one of Zaha, Lingard, Lawrence or, god forbid, Young or Valencia , maybe a wide attacker.
I'm inclined to think Smalling is the one who looks least trouble by other attackers, so I'd probably have him highest, and he wouldn't be the first great CB to be considered poor on the ball. I think Des Walker was, and Sol Campbell wasn't anything special on the ball. Pepe's not great on the ball, but not noticeably awful either.
It will be interesting to see how the new manager rates those 3, and if he brings in another. Kind of feels like the best course of action might be to skimp a bit at CB by just picking up Rio's option for one final year (He's looked okay the last 3 or 4 games) and letting the 3 young CB's get first crack at starting with nobody in their way, then after a year of evaluation, the new Manager can decide if he wants to buy a starting CB as Rio leaves, or a cheaper, younger reserve CB to back up our new entrenched starters.
Save a bit of money at CB and use it to go get some CM's, an LB and if there's any left, another CM, and if there's any left after that and the new Manager doesn't have some intense love for one of Zaha, Lingard, Lawrence or, god forbid, Young or Valencia , maybe a wide attacker.
Another day for Smalling to plays as a right back.
Aaaaand back to RB.
There is no other option to play there bar Valencia. Neither are a good option so let's just accept it and concentrate on the brilliant attacking force we have upfront.
I'd rather Valencia. Seriously, Smalling is a CB. He needs to be played there. feck Rio and Vidic off. I know they've been rocks for us. They're icons of the club. But, their careers here are done. There is no point playing them!
Would much rather play Valencia there, it's not even like Smalling's alright at right back, he's shite. Should be getting games at CB more than anyone else as he's our best centre half for me & I think he'd have nailed down that position for good if he wasn't hindered with injuries. Hopefully he stays fit next season and gets himself a lot of games there.
Oh God. Smalling at RB again.
If Smalling doesn't go to the World Cup, it could arguably be pinned on forcing him into RB so often, and him playing poorly. I don't blame him for that. He's not a RB, but he gives his all there, and he's still solid defensively. He doesn't have the skillset to play there properly though. You'd get a similar result if you played Vidic at right back. It'd be awful.
The positive of losing Vidic, and possibly Rio, is that Smalling should play plenty in his actual position next season onwards. Jones as well.
The positive of losing Vidic, and possibly Rio, is that Smalling should play plenty in his actual position next season onwards. Jones as well.