Chris Smalling Tipped to Hit the Heights
Standing at 6ft 5in, new Manchester United centreback Chris Smalling will tower over most players in the English Premier League (EPL) this season. And according to club legend Paddy Crerand, that height advantage will bring goals galore for United’s defensive department.
Crerand has been watching the 20-year-old new boy closely during United’s pre-season tour of North America and revealed his belief to the club’s official TV channel that Smalling can be a threat to the opposition at both ends of the pitch. He said: "If Smalling does play in the first team, he will be a threat at corner kicks because he is six feet five tall, he's good in the air. He's quite willing to go and put his head in there."
A pre-season friendly against Chivas in Mexico may have been all about fellow new boy Javier Hernandez, who played a half each for both his former and present club, but the former Fulham defender also made his mark as he notched his first goal for United. His header leveled the score at 1-1 after ‘Chicharito’ opened the scoring for the Mexican side.
Happy to score
Although the EPL runners-up lost the match 3-2, Smalling was delighted to get on the scoresheet. He told MUTV that: "I was more surprised than anything - I didn't have a mad celebration. It was great to get a goal and hopefully I can chip in over the season. The manager has stressed that centre-backs chipping in from corners can be a real bonus to the team."
While it didn’t take long for Smalling to get a taste of scoring for his new side, his defensive partners at United have not fared as well in front of goal of late. Indeed, last season saw United defenders score just three times in 56 league and cup matches. John O’Shea and Rafael netted against Stoke City and Wigan respectively while playing at right-back, while Nemanja Vidic was the only central defender to score when he struck against Wolverhampton Wanderers in a 3-0 win at Old Trafford.
Smalling therefore has been tipped by Crerand as United’s new defensive goal threat, but first faces a battle to take a starting berth from Vidic or Rio Ferdinand. Crerand said that: "He's only 20, so he's a kid really and it was a big step up for him to play all the games on tour at United's standard. I think Sir Alex gave Smalling all those games on tour to get his confidence up and try and fit him into the team."
"Sometimes when you go into the first team at a young age and you don't know any of the players, you can be a little bit shy at times and not want to say anything. But when you've played a few games, you have to speak, particularly if you're a central defender. You have to take responsibility. Smalling did alright on tour but Jonny Evans is obviously ahead of him, as are Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic of course," added Crerand.
Rapid rise
A little over two years ago Smalling was turning out for non-league side Maidstone United, who he started playing with while at school. He made his competitive debut for the team at the age of 17 and went on to make 12 appearances for the club. He notched his only goal in his last game for Maidstone. His displays caught the eye of scouts for EPL side Fulham, who signed him in June 2008.
After being named captain of Fulham’s development squad, Smalling made his senior debut in May 2009 in the club’s final game of the season as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat to Everton. In December 2009, he made his first start for the club, but it was one for him to forget as he netted an own goal in a 2-1 defeat away to Chelsea. Smalling has also featured for England at Under-20 and Under-21 levels.
Chris Smalling tipped to hit the heights
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