Chris Smalling has been a revelation in his inaugural season at Old Trafford.
Having signed from Fulham, nobody expected him to develop as quickly as he has but in Rio Ferdinand’s absence he has earned plaudits from all and impressed enough to earn a call up to the England squad.
Whilst clearly a talented footballer before lacing up his boots he shone at other sports. A keen participant at golf, tennis, table tennis and rugby, Smalling really shone at judo.
He won a national junior championship and only stopped because his professional commitments at Fulham wouldn’t allow him to continue and here he is as a fresh faced youngster:
