He doesn't wear a wedding ring, but his brother Chris does, that's the way to tell them apart or something.
Is Smalling the best defender in the league?
- Thread starter Andy_Cole
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He doesn't wear a wedding ring, but his brother Chris does, that's the way to tell them apart or something.
Kompany hasn't been the best CB in the league for a few years now. He started this season rather well but then got injured again. It's definitely Smalling.
We're not talking about 'for years now', are we? Smalling's not been great 'for years now' either. He's been good for eight or nine months, and been 'is he the best in the league?' good for this season. So you have to acknowledge that Kompany's probably been equally good this season, or at least close enough that you can't objectively say that it's 'definitely' Smalling.
And as far as I'm aware being injured doesn't disqualify you from these comparisons. Is Shaw shit now that he got his leg broken?
... Are you being serious?
The last time Kompany played at a standard that was deemed to be the best in the league was a few seasons ago -- which is what my point is getting at. Smalling's 8 or 9 months is far more relevant than Kompany's form from 2 seasons ago or his month of good form this season.
Your last comment doesn't even need addressing. It's like you're purposely not understanding what I've written.
No, it's this season, the same period on which, really, we're basing Smalling's similar claim.
Anyway, I'm done arguing about it. Optimistic to expect objectivity about a City defender on a United forum I guess. For what it's worth, I think Smalling just edges it, but your suggestion that he's easily been better is nonsense. Kompany's been superb, and his absence is probably the main reason for City's dip in form.
Stones is worth a shout,he's having a great season so far..
Kompany has been excellent this season, no point denying it. City's defensive frailties have only reemerged once he's been injured.
he was poor last season, i agree (primarily due to injury), but he has definitely returned to form this season.
Nah, he's been good and has the potential to be the best but on current ability Kompany and Smalling have been better this season.
To be fair to Smalling, he was very good in the back end of last season too. The biggest difference in his game is his self belief and looking like he belongs. A lot of all said he had the tools to be a top defender and LvG deserves a lot of credit for bringing the best out of him.
He's been a rock this season. One-on-one its sometimes seems like man against boy.
He's been a rock this season. One-on-one its sometimes seems like man against boy.
I predict he'll be in the premier league XI come end of season. At the moment though, I'd rate him equal first Shaw and Darmian 
Smalling has definitely been the best. Winston Reid deserves a shout though. He looks impressive, and he was very good last season too.
You mean, According to Scouse fans he isn't better than Skrtel, La!
He is a fecking rock.
On current form you'd have to say he is.
Our defensive players and City's are better than Evertons though.
Is he our POTY so far ?
Koscielnys the best, but Smalling is a great player. I'd take him in a second.
Them two as a partnership
For me, he's definitely the best centre back in the league this season. His ability to take the ball away from an attacker so deftly has been a massive plus for our defence.
To be fair, Chris/Mike/whathaveyou was also terrific at the tail end of last season too, he's just kept the momentum going from that.
To be fair, Chris/Mike/whathaveyou was also terrific at the tail end of last season too, he's just kept the momentum going from that.
Has to be, the only other player looking as good each game was Shaw.
They'd complement each other tremendously.Them two as a partnership
Yeah, Mike would bring his boots to training and Koscielny could clean them. Teamwork.
fecking Polish, taking jobs away from honest English boot cleaners.
I'll bite - um Koscielny is French
I predict he'll be in the premier league XI come end of season. At the moment though, I'd rate him equal first Shaw and Darmian
Strangely he was not in a single "pundits" starting XI based on these first games that was put out recently I think on Sky. LVG seems delighted by him and still really have to wonder, if it were not for Jones issue right before the first game, would we have seen a Jones/Blind partnership instead. If that was on the cards, bloody hell has he taken his chance and then some.
I'm sure Rooney would be upset
He's been very good but not better than Smalling. Right now I'd rank the BPL defenders Smalling, Kompany, Stones.
Yes. I could get round him and score at the moment.
He's French like Grealish is English.I'll bite - um Koscielny is French
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Im baffled by how good smelling became within such a short period of time.
I wrote this in June 2011 after England met Spain in the U21 EC and my (and many other redcafe posters) observations about Mike was spot on. It was obvious from day one that he had a unique physique and the quality to be a special player. Still a half level below Rio but time is on his side. I fully expect Chris Smalling to be our future captain and probably we will label him world class rather sooner then later.
Smalling has been a revelation this season and I swear to god he's getting better every game!
You can see the confidence he's got as he looks so comfortable on the ball now. He's bringing the ball out of defence and his passing is so much better.
Since the first time I saw him play for Fulham I knew he was going to be a top player. At one point I feared injuries may scupper his development but he seems (fingers crossed, touch wood) like he's put that behind him now.
He's the defensive leader and has all the tools to become our future captain.
He's very much like Rio though I don't think he's as good on the ball. Though actually I think he's stronger and doesn't seem to have as many lapses in concentration. Can he become as good a player as Rio? That'll be very tough as I think Rio is one of the best defenders I've ever seen but he's certainly going to be close.
You can see the confidence he's got as he looks so comfortable on the ball now. He's bringing the ball out of defence and his passing is so much better.
Since the first time I saw him play for Fulham I knew he was going to be a top player. At one point I feared injuries may scupper his development but he seems (fingers crossed, touch wood) like he's put that behind him now.
He's the defensive leader and has all the tools to become our future captain.
He's very much like Rio though I don't think he's as good on the ball. Though actually I think he's stronger and doesn't seem to have as many lapses in concentration. Can he become as good a player as Rio? That'll be very tough as I think Rio is one of the best defenders I've ever seen but he's certainly going to be close.
He has definitely made the claim to be considered the best with his performances this season. I know it's a well trodden cliche, but if he could really improve his ability on the ball he'd be an absolute great. He's not as bad as many would have you believe, but its by far the weakest element of his game. If he can develop that, oh my!
Now to search for his long-term partner - Laporte or Stones would do nicely. Grab one of those and our defence will be sorted for years.
Now to search for his long-term partner - Laporte or Stones would do nicely. Grab one of those and our defence will be sorted for years.
He has improved massively under LVG. Kind of hope Jones can do similar as I think they compliment each other well
Him and Stones should be CB partnership for England, and Utd!
Yes.
this season he has been the best without question....
his progression over the last 15/16 months has been fantastic....
I expect a similar improvement in Jones when he gets to 24/25 if he can get games and avoid injuries
his progression over the last 15/16 months has been fantastic....
I expect a similar improvement in Jones when he gets to 24/25 if he can get games and avoid injuries
His defending and physical attributes are fantastic, but he needs to start doing better on the ball to be considered one of the best in the world, that's how it goes these days, being a top defender it's not all about defending. His passing is dodgy to say the least.
He's been the best defender in the league so far this season. Kompany was also excellent before getting hurt but I think Smalling edged it.
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