Step up no Small fete for Chris

It has been more than a month since Chris Smalling officially became a United player and in that month, having played in USA and then in Dublin, he has given us a lot to be optimistic about.

Smalling was practically unheard of to most united fans till the 26th January 2010, when the club announced his signing. Then started the frantic search on Google and YouTube to find out who exactly this guy was? Where had he come from? And most importantly was he any good? So after watching Smalling intently over the last month, it’s safe to say he has created an decent first impression as well as showing points of concern.

Smalling stands at an impressive 6 ft. 4. He operates mainly as a center back but is also competent playing at right back and has the attributes for both positions using his height, pace and good passing and distribution of the ball. He can be dominant in the air defensively and has shown that he can score from set pieces which is a welcome addition to any team. He also seems good with the ball at his feet and at just 20 has a confidence that belies his age. Yet at the same time Smalling has shown his inexperienced. His concentration and positioning seem suspect and he is also prone to the occasional error, but this should be solved with training and playing time.

Playing alongside the likes of Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will only bring Smalling’s game along and if our injuries are anything like last season he could get lots of game time over the season thus aged only 20, he has lots of time to iron out the flaws in his game and improve.

Smalling has shown he has lots of potential and is capable of being a United player in the future and is being touted as Rio’s replacement at both club and international level. Chris certainly has a ‘Big’ future ahead of him and if the raw materials he presents us with are moulded in the right way he could very will become a star.