From error-prone prospect to future Man United captain: The sudden rise of Chris Smalling

Ahead of the first Manchester derby of the season, Andy Mitten profiles Chris Smalling, the England defender whose progress appeared to have stalled but is now the fulcrum of Louis van Gaal's defence.

Manchester United's Chris Smalling, left, in action during their Uefa Champions League Group B match against CSKA Moscow at the Arena Khimki Stadium on October 21, 2015 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by EpShow more

Nemanja Vidic had been away from Old Trafford for a month when he offered his considered opinion about Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans, the triumvirate of central defenders who were set to replace him.

“It’s important that they build a partnership, important for them to understand the game,” the Serb said. “They’re young. They have ability, the right physical size and technical level. It’s important to know that at the top level the small things make a big difference.

“As a defender you have to learn the game. Sometimes you have to do the things you don’t like to do. Yes, it’s beautiful to run 20 metres with the ball, but it’s not always necessary. Experience counts. I’m still learning and the younger players still need to learn.”

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The indomitable defensive force at the heart of United’s defence comprised of Vidic and Rio Ferdinand has never been replaced. They were so good, so consistent, that even Gerard Pique decided to leave Old Trafford for he was not getting a chance.

“They share many similar qualities: both are tall, quick, hard players who read the game well and anticipate attacks, yet there are differences and they compliment each other,” Pique said. “They are two of the best centre-backs in the world and probably the best central defensive partnerships in the world, certainly a reason United don’t concede many goals.”

The greatest defensive pairing in United’s history were the primary reason why Pique left, while the three players Vidic spoke of have experienced contrasting fortunes. Evans is now at West Bromwich Albion, Jones afflicted by injury.

“As a young player, you need that bank of games under your belt to bring consistency,” former United defender Gary Neville said. “Being out of the team every 10 or 15 games really harms your development. Jones and Smalling have to stay fit. Potentially, I have no qualms about any of them becoming top players, but they have to stay fit and be playing 45-50 games per season. Maybe it will be easier when their bodies settle down after growth. Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen got lots of injuries early in their career when their bodies were still growing.”

The theme is youth, but Smalling is 26 next month. He is in his sixth season as United player, yet he is only played 167 matches and just 20 times for England. He has never played more than 25 league games in a season for United, in part because Alex Ferguson had several players at his disposal and shifted away from a firm defensive pair. But also because the players he had picked up injuries.

Smalling’s career has been fractured. Until now. He picked up too many yellow cards and injuries but last season’s two Manchester derbies were a microcosm of the turnaround in his form and fortune.

He was sent off in the November derby for a second yellow card in the first half for a tackle which his coach described as “stupid” and “not very smart”. When United manager Louis van Gaal said that, his face suggested that Smalling’s apology had not been accepted. Down to 10 men for the majority of the game, United lost.

They avenged that for the return derby in April, with Smalling scoring in a 4-2 triumph. Smalling’s excellent form has continued into this season, his best so far.

He has played more minutes than any other United player this term and has started every game and finished every game, bar the final 20 minutes in a League Cup match against Ipswich. He looks so assured that when Van Gaal said this week that Smalling can be a future club captain, United fans saw no reason why not. They trust the player and can see he has matured, that he communicates better and dominates opposition strikers.

He has been the biggest individual success under Van Gaal, whom awarded him a new four-year contract in April. He rewards those who follow his very precise instructions, primarily by keeping them in the team.

Smalling will likely come up against his in-form England colleague Raheem Sterling on Sunday, another challenge that he is capable of meeting.

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