The way he kept up with Sterling was really impressive. Sterling's acceleration is very good and Smalling had no issue keeping up with him. Physically he's brilliant as a CB (except for the injuries he can pick up).
How good is Chris Smalling?
- Thread starter Plechazunga
- Start date
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
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Do you have comprehension problems?
His distribution has been very good this pre season, but if he gives one bad pass the lads start calling the fact that he is bad on the ball.... I am worried about Evans and Jones far more.
Not that I'm aware of.
So who claimed he was currently one of the best in the league?
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).
Last edited:
KingEric7 on Dec 11, 2012.
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.
Missed Bayern away? Ribery couldnt get past him.
I've pretty much blanked out the whole of last season tbh.
Thats quite understandable tbf.
