How good is Chris Smalling?

Hopefully he develops into a commanding CB this season. He has all the tools to do so, dont know what kept him from that until now
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Solid again today. Distribution from the back was good, and was always in the right place.

Loved when Smalling was defending one vs one against Sterling. I can't imagine it's easy marking such a nifty guy in Sterling, but he made it look easy. Would love a gif of that @GifLord if you can. Thanks
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In terms of a pure one on one with an attacker I think he's the best in the league. So quick and assertive, must be an absolute pain to try get past. I remember Welbeck saying he was the hardest to play against in training for this reason.
 
As I said a year or so ago, he's one of my favourite United players. Goes about his business amazingly well without the flash.

He has to start every game he can. He can become a great.
 
It seems the people on twitter are massively underrating him, whereas the people on here are the opposite. One of the best in the league?! Give over.
 
DWelbz19 said:
In terms of a pure one on one with an attacker I think he's the best in the league. So quick and assertive, must be an absolute pain to try get past. I remember Welbeck saying he was the hardest to play against in training for this reason.
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Ye, I remember him saying that as well. On first judgement, you probably wouldn't think he's particularly quick (he comes across as a bit gangly to me) but like you said, he's an absolute pain to get past.
 
DWelbz19 said:
In terms of a pure one on one with an attacker I think he's the best in the league. So quick and assertive, must be an absolute pain to try get past. I remember Welbeck saying he was the hardest to play against in training for this reason.
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I would say he is the best defender on a 1v1 basis for club and country.

If only some of Evans' passing range could rub off on him...
 
Walters_19_MuFc said:
Ye, I remember him saying that as well. On first judgement, you probably wouldn't think he's particularly quick (he comes across as a bit gangly to me) but like you said, he's an absolute pain to get past.
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Smalling's acceleration isn't great and it can take him four or five steps to really get going, but once he's moving he's very quick.
 
Escobar said:
Hopefully he develops into a commanding CB this season. He has all the tools to do so, dont know what kept him from that until now
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Nothing kept him from that, he was very good last season when given a chance (as a CB obviously).

It's just that for some reason he was below poor Rio and Vidic, even though it was obvious the latter was leaving at the end of a season. They just had to start every game (when fit).
 
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Escobar said:
Hopefully he develops into a commanding CB this season. He has all the tools to do so, dont know what kept him from that until now
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Injuries and being played out of position at right back
 
The way he kept up with Sterling was very impressive. I didn't think he was that fast.
 
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