While the youngster insists he is playing “OK” at right-back, the United defender says that his aim is to play in the centre of defence, and “to be challenging Rio and Vidic for their places”, as that is where Smalling believes he is at his best. Although both Ferguson and Capello have insisted on playing Smalling at right-back, it seems unlikely that either will genuinely consider this to be his position in the long-term.
With Rafael ruled out for 10 weeks back in August, and both Micah Richards and Glen Johnson also out for the time being, Smalling’s role on the right side of the defence can surely only be a temporary solution for both club and country. Anyone who would suggest that playing at right-back may harm, or be a detriment to Smalling’s development as a centre half is surely mistaken, considering the opportunities that lay ahead at both Manchester United and for England.
At just 21, Smalling has already made an impression on the Premier League and earned his place in the national side. Regardless of where the defender plays, the experience of regular first team football for both club and country is going to be beneficial to the players career altogether, and especially with a club such as Manchester United. Smalling himself sees his role at right-back as only a temporary fixture, however is keen to play “wherever needed” by either Ferguson and Capello. The defender is fully aware that both managers will know what is best for him, and if, for the time being, that means playing at right-back, then the 21-year-old appears more than happy to do so.
With the likes of John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, and Nemanja Vidic all entering the latter stage of their careers, it seems as though it will be only a matter of time before Smalling’s potential in the heart of the defence at both national and club level is realized by Ferguson and the next England manager.Until then, Smalling will be keen to make an impression wherever he is deployed, and so long as he is contributing to clean sheets with United, and putting in the kind of performances that have earned him a call up to the national side, then no harm or ‘detriment’ will be brought upon his development as a centre-back.
Smalling should relish in playing regularly for club and country, and with a long career ahead of him should certainly not have concerns that his ability at centre-half has gone unnoticed – opportunities in the heart of United’s defence are bound to arise as the season progresses, and when they do, we can expect the 21-year-old to reaffirm his intentions to remain there.
Written by Thomas Kenny for FootballFanCast.com
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i think he is also quite good playing as right back and he has a attacking mind…his crosses are not as good as Gary Neville but he is faster..