23 Oct 2013 22:58:12
Anybody still want to start Smalling ahead of Evans in the centre of defence?

Evans looks head and shoulders above the two younger lads at the minute, not withstanding a decent show from Jones tonight.

Defenders get better with age, as they learn their craft, and Evans' positional sense and his distribution alone, make him a shoe-in to partner Vidic regularly, for now at least.

Also liked the way he went toe to toe with the Sociedad guy, and didn't flinch - he seems to be toughening up a bit.

Those calling for Smalling to play that part, are asking far too much too soon from a decent young player, especially at a turbulent time for the team.

A settled, experienced back two, is essential to bringing some sort of stability, and for me anyway, it has to be Vidic and Evans.

1.) 24 Oct 2013
Completely agree mate, he's by far the best defender we have at the moment, even ahead of vidic IMO, vidic may be a beast and more willing to throw himself into tackles, but Evans is more intelligent, and even technically better.

2.) 24 Oct 2013
As with Jase, I completely agree. I was saying to my brother earlier this evening 2 years ago Vidic got injured and we all wondered whether JEvans could stand up to the plate, he did (we might not have won the league but he still played incredibly well). Last year there was a myriad of injuries to our defenders and again JEvans stepped up and performed superbly. This year he is a year older and a year better, for me he should be in our starting pair

3.) 24 Oct 2013
I think for this season at least vidic should partner with evens with jones replacing vidic when he needs resting.

as evra is unlikely to renew his contract and rio llikely to retire I can see vidic staying on another year but with jones and evens being the main cb's next season.

4.) 24 Oct 2013
I was talking to my mate earlier and we were agreeing how Evans is almost our all around best consistent defender. He reads the opposition very well, got good feet and is much more pacey than both Rio and Vida.