Former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister is of the opinion that Chris Smalling is so far the best centre-back in the Premier League this season.
The England international struggled at the start of last season, but has been in great form for the last 18 months.
Smalling, who has been ever-present in the Manchester United line-up this season, is a big reason behind the club’s good defensive record.
Manchester United have conceded just eight goals in 12 Premier League fixtures in the present campaign, the lowest in the league.
And Pallister, who has been hugely impressed with Smalling’s performances in the ongoing campaign, believes the 25-year-old has hugely benefitted from staying injury free.
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"He’s now a proper defender”, he told United Review.
“He’s more confident, he’s enjoyed a good run in the team and he’s enjoyed the responsibility the manager has given him in making him captain on occasions.
"I think it’s mainly down to the fact that he’s been injury-free for a while; he’s played a number of games now in his preferred position of centre-back and we’re seeing the Chris Smalling we saw when he first came to the club.
“We’ve needed that solidity at the back and he has provided that.
"If you’re looking for consistency in judging the best player in the Premier League in his position so far this season, I think Chris ticks all the boxes. His performances have been exemplary."
Smalling, whose present contract with Manchester United runs until the summer of 2019, has thus far amassed 172 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 10 times.
The defender also has 20 caps for England to his name.
