Smalling Watch

Fletcher's Jilted Lover · 22nd January 2012, 18:32

easily our best central defender this season, besides the slip he was great.

Kraftwerker · 22nd January 2012, 18:46

Brilliant, but the slip should've been a goal conceded.

Evans would've been slaughtered for instance.

Still, absolute beast. Pure class.

ArmchairCritic · 22nd January 2012, 19:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Bartram on Twitter

My favourite word of the day from Chris Smalling. Describing his slip before RVP chance: "Luckily it didn't come to fruitrition".

Made me chuckle.

Kelvin · 22nd January 2012, 19:29

terrible slip nearly costs us, dunno how RVP missed that

otherwise he had a solid game.

marjen · 22nd January 2012, 19:30

Great performance. Him and Evans are a good pairing.

RedThaiDevils#7 · 22nd January 2012, 19:30

Smalling > Jones in CB right now, 3 years older though... Bright future for both imo.

decorativeed · 22nd January 2012, 20:17

I never have a worry when I see him starting at centre back. He's excellent. The only concern is who he is playing alongside. Him and Vidic look a very solid pairing. I'm less keen seeing him playing alongside Rio because of Ferdinand's lack of pace and alongside Evans because of the combined lack of experience and leadership.

Cheesy · 22nd January 2012, 21:33

We really need to stick with him at centre back. He did play well at right back, but his ability at centre half is brilliant. I always feel relaxed and comfortable when he's there. The same can't always be said for Evans, Jones and Ferdinand, to different extents with each of them. He really could be the difference between us winning the title or not.

Cutch · 22nd January 2012, 21:40

He should really be the one constant at centre half from now til the end of the season in Vidic' absence. It should be a matter just of who to partner him with.

Aside from the slip which obviously he could do little about, i thought he was superb. Just makes football look ridiculously easy at times, almost looking like he's playing in about 3rd gear.

Ish84045 · 22nd January 2012, 22:09

Probably my current favorite player!

Lots of man love for Chris.

pillory · 23rd January 2012, 01:36

In addition to being extremely awesome, he's also seemingly permitted to literally throw opponents around when competing for goal kicks, which is a good bonus. Or maybe he gets away with it because he only does it when his shirt is being tugged or something. I'm not sure I've ever seen a replay of one of those incidents, but I swear it usually happens at least a couple of times whenever he plays.

Anderson8 · 23rd January 2012, 04:42

His reaction to the slip was most pleasing. Didn't seem to affect him too much, and he continued to have a great game.

Loved how he wasn't overly-apologetic after it as well, it was almost like the other players were looking at him and he was like "What I do? Oh yeah, the slip, sorry about that"

Aint gota Kalou · 23rd January 2012, 09:46

He's positionally great, reads the game well and has the physical attributes that allow him to win every header and still keep up with the fastest of strikers. I don't really see a weakness in his game and for me he's our best young player, and one of the best youngsters in the world.

MadDogg · 23rd January 2012, 10:36

Other than the slip, he was an absolute beast today. As he always is.

It feels like every second game he plays, I literally start laughing at how ridiculously dominate he is. Aerial ball coming in? No problems, Smalling will win it. Striker coming through 1-on-1? It's Smalling, I'll start worrying when it's 3-on-1.

He's arguably my favourite player.

Escobar · 23rd January 2012, 10:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aint gota Kalou

He's positionally great, reads the game well and has the physical attributes that allow him to win every header and still keep up with the fastest of strikers. I don't really see a weakness in his game and for me he's our best young player, and one of the best youngsters in the world.

Thats what I like about him - he is the complete package. Plus, he is also very good on the ball and can carry the ball out, pass it, etc, and is able to score nice goals (like against City). He is physically strong, good in the air and has pace.

He made a few mistakes this season, which some of us cost us, but thats part of the learning process and I am confident he will be a top 3 defender in a few years

Cina · 23rd January 2012, 10:45

Thought Evans was better yesterday myself, not taking anything away from him, he was still excellent bar the slip up. They do look like a good pairing, prefer to see them there than Jones.

Annihilate Now! · 23rd January 2012, 10:50

He's the only one of our centre backs that can get near Vidic in terms of Aerial dominance... and it show's all the more when neither are in the side.

He's a beast.

Escobar · 23rd January 2012, 11:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cina

Thought Evans was better yesterday myself, not taking anything away from him, he was still excellent bar the slip up. They do look like a good pairing, prefer to see them there than Jones.

Evans should be praised as well - was calm and very solid. I am happy to see him back

KingEric7 · 23rd January 2012, 11:47

Going by performances, he's already one of the best in the league. The complete package. I'm surprised the media haven't started getting completely carried away with him yet, though this is the same media that took several years after he came back to form to realise that Ferdinand was a really fucking good defender.

England have got a lot to be excited about in the coming years. We may actually win something at this rate if we don't fuck it all up again.

kps88 · 7th February 2012, 07:19

Guess we won't know anything about Smalling till Friday? Hope its not too serious, he's ahead of Rio in the pecking order for me.

cw1984 · 7th February 2012, 15:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by kps88

Guess we won't know anything about Smalling till Friday? Hope its not too serious, he's ahead of Rio in the pecking order for me.

Maybe for you but in reality he's not. When he's fit he absolutely must start. Rio that is, not Smalling.

Widnes · 7th February 2012, 15:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by kps88

Guess we won't know anything about Smalling till Friday? Hope its not too serious, he's ahead of Rio in the pecking order for me.

He is a fantastic prospect but lets not talk daft, Rio is easily first choice if he is fit, I could accept your case if you had said Evans although i would have to disagree with you.

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 7th February 2012, 16:53

SAF himself said Rio isn't 1st choice. The only reason Smalling of late has shifted to RB was because of Rafael's injury record and Jones' absence.

Plechazunga · 7th February 2012, 17:02

Surely it depends who else is fit? I'd be happier with Vidic-Smalling than Vidic-Rio, but with Vidic out it's hard to see past Rio, experience in central defence is vital.

Also, Evans seems to be high up the pecking order these days, with Vidic out he pretty much plays when fit

That said, Smalling is an incredible prospect and already a terrific player

Cina · 7th February 2012, 17:06

I think looking at the season overall, bar Vidic, a fit Rio is the best CB we have available. Smalling next, then Evans, then Jones.

Amir · 7th February 2012, 21:41

Yep, without Vidic, Rio is a sure starter if fit, bar the odd rest. Smalling and Evans are very good players and hopefully a good partnership, but the experience Rio can offer is a dimension none of them has yet.

Cheesy · 7th February 2012, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cina

I think looking at the season overall, bar Vidic, a fit Rio is the best CB we have available. Smalling next, then Evans, then Jones.

I'd have to disagree. Based on what I've seen lately, I think that Smalling has overtaken Rio in the pecking order.

cw1984 · 7th February 2012, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

SAF himself said Rio isn't 1st choice. The only reason Smalling of late has shifted to RB was because of Rafael's injury record and Jones' absence.

When they're all fit Rio will start. No doubt.

Unless it's the sort of game where Fergie might rest him of course...

Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber · 8th February 2012, 10:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw1984

When they're all fit Rio will start. No doubt.

Unless it's the sort of game where Fergie might rest him of course...

I have serious doubts about that.

kps88 · 8th February 2012, 10:12

I'm pretty sure Rio's not 100% fit. He's not looked himself recently. Evans is the one taking all the initiative when on the ball. Rio basically sits deep and hoofs it when under any sort of pressure. Hope its just a matter of him recovering and finding form again, but it could easily be a sign of decline with age.

marjen · 8th February 2012, 10:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by kps88

I'm pretty sure Rio's not 100% fit. He's not looked himself recently. Evans is the one taking all the initiative when on the ball. Rio basically sits deep and hoofs it when under any sort of pressure. Hope its just a matter of him recovering and finding form again, but it could easily be a sign of decline with age.

He's told to play another way due to his injury record, I'd imagine. That's why he stays back for corners as well.

Ferguson wants him fit, so he adapts his game so that his experience can be put to use.

I still think Rio's a must in every big game with Vidic out.

I'm always right · 8th February 2012, 10:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by kps88

I'm pretty sure Rio's not 100% fit. He's not looked himself recently. Evans is the one taking all the initiative when on the ball. Rio basically sits deep and hoofs it when under any sort of pressure. Hope its just a matter of him recovering and finding form again, but it could easily be a sign of decline with age.

Rio's best form came when he went on a run of 7-8 games without injury, he'll find that form again in the next few weeks as long as he can stay fit. Fingers crossed.

Ramshock · 8th February 2012, 10:25

When is Smalling back?

cw1984 · 8th February 2012, 17:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber

I have serious doubts about that.

You might but I don't.

If Vidic was fit then it would probably be different though.

towcester_red · 8th February 2012, 17:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by marjen

He's told to play another way due to his injury record, I'd imagine. That's why he stays back for corners as well.

Ferguson wants him fit, so he adapts his game so that his experience can be put to use.

I still think Rio's a must in every big game with Vidic out.

He might aswell always have done that to be honest!

cw1984 · 8th February 2012, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by towcester_red

He might aswell always have done that to be honest!

I remember him being quite prolific and dangerous for Leeds from set pieces. He's never really done that for us though.

Pexbo · 8th February 2012, 17:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by marjen

He's told to play another way due to his injury record, I'd imagine. That's why he stays back for corners as well.

Ferguson wants him fit, so he adapts his game so that his experience can be put to use.

I still think Rio's a must in every big game with Vidic out.

See that I find strange as I always feel your fullbacks are the best to stay back at corners for three reasons:

1. They (usually) offer no ariel threat in the box.
2. Counter attacks from corners are never ariel so you don't need to keep any height back.
3. Fullbacks are generally quicker and more adept at dealing with players breaking with the ball at their feet.

towcester_red · 8th February 2012, 17:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by cw1984

I remember him being quite prolific and dangerous for Leeds from set pieces. He's never really done that for us though.

Yeh I meant for us. Strange for somebody thats good in the air, but there was no point in ever sending him up.

Goal against Liverpool might just have been worth it though I guess

PJ · 29th February 2012, 21:19

Being stretchered off. Fucking international friendlies.

gooDevil · 29th February 2012, 21:21

Man, this will be a nervous 24-48 hours before we hear back from a scan, in all likelihood. Let's pray he'll recover 100%!

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22nd January 2012, 18:32	#1841 (permalink)
Fletcher's Jilted Lover He's the man! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Paramore. Posts: 5,628	easily our best central defender this season, besides the slip he was great.

22nd January 2012, 18:46	#1842 (permalink)
Kraftwerker Formerly RedAddict Join Date: May 2008 Location: We can't stop here. This is bat country. Posts: 9,120	Brilliant, but the slip should've been a goal conceded. Evans would've been slaughtered for instance. Still, absolute beast. Pure class.

22nd January 2012, 19:29	#1844 (permalink)
Kelvin Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 21,510	terrible slip nearly costs us, dunno how RVP missed that otherwise he had a solid game.

22nd January 2012, 19:30	#1845 (permalink)
marjen Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: at the back post, lurking around, waiting for an easy tap-in. Posts: 3,625	Great performance. Him and Evans are a good pairing.

22nd January 2012, 19:30	#1846 (permalink)
RedThaiDevils#7 First Team Sub Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Married with Manchester United, In love with Giggs, Is passionate about Scholes, and is rooting for Bebe' Posts: 5,548	Smalling > Jones in CB right now, 3 years older though... Bright future for both imo.

22nd January 2012, 20:17	#1847 (permalink)
decorativeed First Team Sub Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Chorlton Posts: 6,190	I never have a worry when I see him starting at centre back. He's excellent. The only concern is who he is playing alongside. Him and Vidic look a very solid pairing. I'm less keen seeing him playing alongside Rio because of Ferdinand's lack of pace and alongside Evans because of the combined lack of experience and leadership.

22nd January 2012, 21:33	#1848 (permalink)
Cheesy Smells Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Scotland Posts: 5,316	We really need to stick with him at centre back. He did play well at right back, but his ability at centre half is brilliant. I always feel relaxed and comfortable when he's there. The same can't always be said for Evans, Jones and Ferdinand, to different extents with each of them. He really could be the difference between us winning the title or not.

22nd January 2012, 21:40	#1849 (permalink)
Cutch Shit stirrer (Literally) Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Northern Ireland. W3101, Row 29, Seat 174 Posts: 5,498	He should really be the one constant at centre half from now til the end of the season in Vidic' absence. It should be a matter just of who to partner him with. Aside from the slip which obviously he could do little about, i thought he was superb. Just makes football look ridiculously easy at times, almost looking like he's playing in about 3rd gear.

22nd January 2012, 22:09	#1850 (permalink)
Ish84045 raisa84045 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: "WhatF*ckingWhat" Posts: 2,667	Probably my current favorite player! Lots of man love for Chris.

23rd January 2012, 01:36	#1851 (permalink)
pillory First Team Sub Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Symptomless coma Posts: 7,706	In addition to being extremely awesome, he's also seemingly permitted to literally throw opponents around when competing for goal kicks, which is a good bonus. Or maybe he gets away with it because he only does it when his shirt is being tugged or something. I'm not sure I've ever seen a replay of one of those incidents, but I swear it usually happens at least a couple of times whenever he plays.

23rd January 2012, 04:42	#1852 (permalink)
Anderson8 Reserve Team Player Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 3,175	His reaction to the slip was most pleasing. Didn't seem to affect him too much, and he continued to have a great game. Loved how he wasn't overly-apologetic after it as well, it was almost like the other players were looking at him and he was like "What I do? Oh yeah, the slip, sorry about that"

23rd January 2012, 09:46	#1853 (permalink)
Aint gota Kalou Reserve Team Player Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 2,469	He's positionally great, reads the game well and has the physical attributes that allow him to win every header and still keep up with the fastest of strikers. I don't really see a weakness in his game and for me he's our best young player, and one of the best youngsters in the world.

23rd January 2012, 10:36	#1854 (permalink)
MadDogg First Team Sub Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: “Manchester United never lose, they just run out of time” Posts: 6,869	Other than the slip, he was an absolute beast today. As he always is. It feels like every second game he plays, I literally start laughing at how ridiculously dominate he is. Aerial ball coming in? No problems, Smalling will win it. Striker coming through 1-on-1? It's Smalling, I'll start worrying when it's 3-on-1. He's arguably my favourite player.

23rd January 2012, 10:45	#1856 (permalink)
Cina I hate everything Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: :noitacoL Posts: 13,939	Thought Evans was better yesterday myself, not taking anything away from him, he was still excellent bar the slip up. They do look like a good pairing, prefer to see them there than Jones.

23rd January 2012, 10:50	#1857 (permalink)
Annihilate Now! First Team Sub Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Argh Posts: 7,365	He's the only one of our centre backs that can get near Vidic in terms of Aerial dominance... and it show's all the more when neither are in the side. He's a beast.

23rd January 2012, 11:47	#1859 (permalink)
KingEric7 Winner of the Tabata bet Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Patrice Evra is that which no greater can be conceived. Posts: 18,941	Going by performances, he's already one of the best in the league. The complete package. I'm surprised the media haven't started getting completely carried away with him yet, though this is the same media that took several years after he came back to form to realise that Ferdinand was a really fucking good defender. England have got a lot to be excited about in the coming years. We may actually win something at this rate if we don't fuck it all up again.

7th February 2012, 07:19	#1860 (permalink)
kps88 First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Coventry (SM) Posts: 8,712	Guess we won't know anything about Smalling till Friday? Hope its not too serious, he's ahead of Rio in the pecking order for me.

7th February 2012, 16:53	#1863 (permalink)
Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber Thus says Kemo Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Founder of IhateMakeleles.org and Gourcufffanboysareus.com Posts: 39,438	SAF himself said Rio isn't 1st choice. The only reason Smalling of late has shifted to RB was because of Rafael's injury record and Jones' absence.

7th February 2012, 17:02	#1864 (permalink)
Plechazunga Phones, soup, paint, chairs and computers are troubling. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Where Albert Stubbins scored a diving header Posts: 47,728	Surely it depends who else is fit? I'd be happier with Vidic-Smalling than Vidic-Rio, but with Vidic out it's hard to see past Rio, experience in central defence is vital. Also, Evans seems to be high up the pecking order these days, with Vidic out he pretty much plays when fit That said, Smalling is an incredible prospect and already a terrific player

7th February 2012, 17:06	#1865 (permalink)
Cina I hate everything Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: :noitacoL Posts: 13,939	I think looking at the season overall, bar Vidic, a fit Rio is the best CB we have available. Smalling next, then Evans, then Jones.

7th February 2012, 21:41	#1866 (permalink)
Amir First Team Regular Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Rehovot, Israel Posts: 16,092	Yep, without Vidic, Rio is a sure starter if fit, bar the odd rest. Smalling and Evans are very good players and hopefully a good partnership, but the experience Rio can offer is a dimension none of them has yet.

8th February 2012, 10:12	#1870 (permalink)
kps88 First Team Sub Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Coventry (SM) Posts: 8,712	I'm pretty sure Rio's not 100% fit. He's not looked himself recently. Evans is the one taking all the initiative when on the ball. Rio basically sits deep and hoofs it when under any sort of pressure. Hope its just a matter of him recovering and finding form again, but it could easily be a sign of decline with age.

8th February 2012, 10:25	#1873 (permalink)
Ramshock poster of nonsense Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Four Green Fields Posts: 10,350	When is Smalling back?

29th February 2012, 21:19	#1879 (permalink)
PJ Mrs Robinson's bit on the side Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Playing guess who with Samuel L Jackson Posts: 15,109	Being stretchered off. Fucking international friendlies.

29th February 2012, 21:21	#1880 (permalink)
gooDevil First Team Regular Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The Kids are the Future ✹ Posts: 10,734	Man, this will be a nervous 24-48 hours before we hear back from a scan, in all likelihood. Let's pray he'll recover 100%!