Manchester United have now spent on two centre-backs in the last two summer transfer windows as Jose Mourinho welcomed Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof to Old Trafford. While Bailly has been effective, Lindelof is yet to settle into life in England which has seen Mourinho stick with backup options for most of the current season.
The manager is expected to scout for another CB this summer and this might spell the end of a couple of players in the first team at the club and one such player now wanted by Everton is Chris Smalling.
Smalling’s United Days Are Numbered:
One of the most experienced defenders in England, Smalling has not been able to impress Jose Mourinho in more than a year at the club and has often been criticized for his performances this season. And with Mourinho desperate for another defender, reports now suggest that he will be up for sale this summer.
Sam Allardyce, who lavished praise on Smalling in his short stint with the Three Lions has already expressed his interest in the player and has been scouting for him recently. But should he make a move for Smalling this summer?
Smalling And His Experience:
Having graduated to senior football with Maidstone United, Smalling moved to Old Trafford from Fulham back in 2010 and was the first choice defender for the club for at least a couple of years before losing his form. He has 31 senior appearances for the English national side but has lost his place in the first team under Gareth Southgate recently.
He has played 280 games for Manchester United in all competitions, winning a couple of League titles and the Europa League last year. He was voted the player’s Player of the Year for United in the 2015-16 season but has not been able to replicate that form under Mourinho.
Known for his strength in the air and his ability to read the game in front of him, Smalling is a composed defender, who hates to take any risks. He is confident with the ball at his feet and is also capable of keeping the best of the strikers in the league quiet for most periods.
His lack of pace and athletic ability are his negatives but at 28, he has gathered enough experience for neither of it to be a huge problem. He is one of the most established defenders in England and will be a decent fit for Everton.
Chances At Everton:
The Toffees spent on Michael Keane at the start of the season but are not too impressed with his returns. Sam Allardyce has used Mason Holgate to partner Ashley Williams regularly while Phil Jagielka has also got his chances. Eliaquim Mangala is also a part of the squad but both Williams and Jagielka are in the final stages of their careers and Smalling could be a long-term replacement for either name.
With enough experience in the league, the United man should take no time to adjust to conditions at Goodison Park and could even walk into the first team next season. But do you think he is the right man for Everton?
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
