Is Mathias Ginter or Kurt Zouma's development being stalled because they occasionally play in midfield? I really hate the caf theory that Smalling and Jones were being ruined by them being played in different positions.
But the theory is true. Smalling's confidence, and reputation, was decimated by his attempts to play at right back.
He and Jones have yet to play ten games at centre half together at United in their whole time at the club. That's just ridiculous.
During this time we had an ageing Ferdinand, who could no longer contest a corner at the other end of the field because of his back, and Vidic, who spent about two cumulative years of that period out injured. It's been a mismanagement of potential.
Injures have been a decisive factor in their stall, too. But players will not develop to be central defenders if they're not playing in that position regularly. Game time breeds confidence and repetition, which in turn brings about learned behaviours that make for positive growth.
Central defenders, perhaps moreso than any position, need experiences, good or bad, to get better.
The reality of the situation is that both Smalling and Jones played much of their developmental years out of position. When the time came to throw them in, many then expected them to suddenly turn out like the superstars we thought we had bought. It was silly, to be honest, and they probably deserve more credit than they get for their recent form in our back four.
