Manchester United legend Paul McGrath has lavished praise on defender Chris Smalling, saying that the centre-back plays like him.
Smalling has become a regular fixture in the Red Devils’ starting eleven under Louis van Gaal. He has gone on to make 20 Premier League appearances this season so far, scoring four goals in the process.
The 25-year-old’s displays this term have played a big part in helping Manchester United reach third spot in the table as they attempt a return to the Champions League after a year’s absence. He has also been rewarded with a contract extension that will see him at the club until June 2019.
And the centre-back has earned an admirer in Manchester United legend McGrath, who was at Old Trafford from 1982 until 1989 and won the FA Cup with the Red Devils in 1985.
“Chris is very sharp and quick going forward – I love the speed that he has”, the 55-year-old told the Manchester United website.
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McGrath compared Smalling to himself especially for the way the England international tries to venture forward with the ball at his feet.
“And a bit like myself, he likes to roam with the ball at his feet.
“It's hard to compare centre-backs now to players from my era though, because they can't go into fifty-fifty tackles like we used to do!"
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