17 Feb 2020 09:09:37
"Chris Smalling Has Become a MONSTER! " - that's the title of a Youtube video I got across today. If the title was not outrageous then the comment section was something else - some even calling him 'World Class'.
I understand that Smalling had been our most reliable and best defender in the past few seasons, but 'World Class' he never was. If anything he looks good in a lesser league.
I would have kept him at the club ahead of Jones/ Rojo, especially with how Lindelof has struggled this season. Could have worked out with pairing him with Maguire, but everyone was expecting Lindelof to grow even more this season and probably Smalling wanted to be first-choice and the decision was made to loan him out.
I wouldn't mind Smalling coming back, but only as backup along with Tuanzebe. We need to strengthen the CB position in the summer irrespective.
{Ed047's Note - I think you’ve topped all those initial comments by ending with a beauty yourself, “I wouldn’t mind Smalling coming backâ€
Nice one LPU 😉
1.) 17 Feb 2020
17 Feb 2020 09:24:54
Well Ed047, as a backup option I don't mind. He's better backup option than both Jones/ Bailly who spent most of the time on the treatment table.
{Ed047's Note - which doesn’t say a lot fella
2.) 17 Feb 2020
17 Feb 2020 11:43:36
LPU
Snalling has some talot of the time on the inquest table aswell.
3.) 17 Feb 2020
17 Feb 2020 12:32:58
Ahh ok, so the Serie A is a lesser league (speaking of a defender) . The league that has had some of the best of all time like Maldini, Nesta, Chiellini, Bonucci, Canavaro, Cafu, etc. OK. wouldn't it be better to call it a more technical league if you want to say that its a slower league.
4.) 17 Feb 2020
17 Feb 2020 13:54:06
Smalling shouldn't even be compared in the same bracket as Tuanzebe. Tuanzebe has done nothing of note in his career as of yet aswell as being injured pretty much all season. A lesser league? there's only been one stand out team in the premier league this year and the rest of the so called top sides have massively under achieved. Don't think we can go calling Serie A a lesser league. Very disrespectful to say the least.
5.) 17 Feb 2020
17 Feb 2020 13:56:06
It's an interesting point. Serie A is considered a slower paced league, a league based more around technical quality rather than physical ability.
What makes this interesting is Smalling has always done well from a physical point of view, he is strong, quick and has a good leap making him good in the air. Yet, the weaknesses in his game that have often been flagged up come from a technical view point. He positions himself badly often leading to him pulling players back, his passing isn't expansive enough. His touch can be heavy at times. Most of these weaknesses are supposed to stem from his non-league background rather than coming up through an academy.
So it's odd that a defender who has always been good physically, but lacking technically should go to a much less physical while more technical league and thrive.
When looking around at the players available at CB this coming summer and who we might be able to get I do wonder the previously unthinkable that maybe we would be better off with Smalling back in the side.
With a better full back in AWB alongside him he would be less exposed than before. While his pace could cover for Maguire. His limited passing would be less of an issue with Harry along side him. While the issue of Lindelof being targeted aerially when along side Maguire would be lessened if Smalling was there instead. Plus he is one of our most experienced players, at his peak and someone who remembers what it is like to be part of a winning Manchester United squad.
Most people agree that despite his flaws he was our best CB before Maguire was signed. So would it make sense to sell him when we have other less able players on the books. Plus there is a good chance that his season in Italy might have taught him a few things about defending.
I would strongly consider bringing him back to compete with Maguire, Lindelof and Tuanzebe for next season.