Chris Smalling praises role models at Manchester United
English defender Chris Smalling has said that he is in great company at the heart of Manchester United's defence.
The 20-year-old joined Sir Alex Ferguson's team in the summer after playing for Fulham (since 2008), and has made a total of four appearances for the team this season.
Out of those, two have been starting appearances alongside Rio Ferdinand, the first of which came against Rangers FC in the Champions League.
“The stature of the guy is something to look up to and he has been a real joy to be alongside. Rio has built up that presence over the years. He is just very commanding. On the ball, he just gives you that composure," Smalling said about his defensive partner.
Last month, the Londoner scored one goal and set up another with a precise long-ball for Darren Gibson against Scunthorpe in the league cup, a telling performance in his second start next to the United captain.
"Whether he puts on that captain's armband or it is just in training, he is leading the team. I have had to pick up along the same way, because I am the eyes of the central midfielders and that is something I have been working on, and he has been helping
me."
Vidic another player to look up to
Smalling, who has eight caps for the English U21-team and scored the side's winning goal against Romania in a recent play-off game for a place in the 2011 Euruopean championships, also praised Nemanja Vidic, another of his role models at United.
"Rio is great to play with, so is Vidic, so I cannot be in a better atmosphere to be learning my trade."
Vidic and Ferdinand have formed a vital partnership for United since the Serbian joined the team in 2006. With time, it could be Smalling who turns Ferguson's solid defensive pairing into a trio.
Tags: