02 Oct 2015 12:47:27
One player I wanna talk about, Smalling.
I know there is a few eds on here who do my rate the fella. Has he not proved you wrong so far this season and the back end of last?
Maturing into a great player IMO. Quick and looks more comfortable on the ball. He is one of the players I think that LVG has actually improved.
On form right now he is England's best centre back, although you could argue Stones. And easily in the top 5 in the league right now.
Is that a testament to how our league is declining? Possibly. Or is that he is as underrated as I believe he is? More likely.
Well done Chris, proving a lot of doubters wrong right now.
02 Oct 2015 14:10:11
This is more like it Don, bit of positivity about a player, agree wholeheartedly, he is impressing me each and every game, he has changed the way he is playing to be much more strong and dominating, bullying strikers instead of allowing them to bully him.
I wouldn't want any centre half in the league ahead of him at the moment he has been that good.
02 Oct 2015 14:17:40
Tbf I've always backed him, there is a really good defender in him and I hope he continues to progress in the same direction.
02 Oct 2015 14:36:29
I have total confidence in Smalling. He has improved a lot and this should be recognized. He just needs a better partner - and it would of been Sergio Ramos.
02 Oct 2015 14:44:44
He's really improved and is becoming a beast, he looks a completely new player this year
02 Oct 2015 14:56:39
Completely agree with all of you . He really is becomin some player.
02 Oct 2015 15:04:19
I never thought he would make it, but he has certainly turned the corner. It shows what plenty of games in the same position can do for players like Chris. The injuries have dried up as well, which is a huge bonus.
Let's hope Phil is next.
02 Oct 2015 14:10:46
Tidy post Red, I think smalling has always had the potential to be a great player, he really has had to step up to the plate, and he is maturing well showing great leadership and organizational skill he's getting forward well and when he gets the opportunity he will break from defense with the ball and look to create something.
Looking at some of the defenders we looked at over the last couple of seasons (mangala ottemidhi bennatia) I'm happy with smalling, I would love to see him and rojo partners.
02 Oct 2015 16:23:01
I also think that Jones, given a run in the centre of defence, could also turn out to be a better player than a lot on here give him credit for.
02 Oct 2015 16:42:26
Always thought he had it in him just injury held him back. I think the responsibility of being the senior player at the back has helped him.
02 Oct 2015 18:38:23
I thought PJ would turn out the better of the 2 of them. How wrong I was!
02 Oct 2015 19:03:03
Agree, he has come along very well, I think blind has a very calming influence on him also. Blind is the talker and organiser, big Chris also has even further improvement in him I can see him being pretty permanent fixture in the tea for th next ten years and possibly our long term captain. He is very articulate and a good role model and seems to have matured into a top bloke too. Hats of to him and of course the coaching staff. It bodes well for the other young players at the club and Chris should be an inspiration to them all. from Bambi to bulldog in 2 years. It shows them al that with he right application anything is possible.
02 Oct 2015 19:27:17
I must admit that I never thought he would make it and midway through last season had him on my 'to sell' list. Really impressed by him this season.
Think his partnership with Blind is promising.
Let's hope he carries on for rest of season.
Jones. just not sure and don't think he can play left side.
02 Oct 2015 19:29:10
Smalling has made great progress. Now he just needs to continue to grow in mental strength. Before he had looked like a player who would crack under pressure, it has been great to see his confidence growing.
03 Oct 2015 08:09:11
Thanks for your kind words Ken.