So good. They're phenomenal for their age. Although Fulham were poor, they still dealt with the tricky threat of Ruiz and Berbatov very well. They didn't get a sniff at goal. The fact we played a higher line has a lot to do with this and it's the reason I have banged on about it all season. With pace at the back, in combination with a high line, this nullifies the big spaces in midfield and stops the creative players from doing much damage. This was also evident against West Ham when they played.
They are the real deal. Smalling has always looked it, but Jones has looked a lot better at centre back this season. He's alright in midfield, but his performances at the back should surely dispel this notion that he's our "next Roy Keane." He isn't.
Smalling, in particular, is entering the phase of his career where should be playing week in, week out and this should probably be happening come next season. He'll be a regular for the national team sooner rather than later so I expect him to be a set fixture very soon.
The pair of them will be great.
Smalling & Jones.
Smalling & Jones
posted on 26/1/13
Smalling was good but we've come to expect that. Its Jones who has impressed me with his CB performances this season. His positioning has come on leaps and bounds from last season, and he has cut out those marauding runs from defence that used to leave us very open at the back (and leave me very frustrated).
Though I do worry one of he, Smalling and Evans will end up leaving the club early. All 3 have it in them to be top, top CBs - but there's going to be one who'll have to warm the bench a fair bit.
posted on 26/1/13
Agree on both counts. Jones' main obstacle will be that, whilst he is good, i can't seem him removing Evans from the pecking order of CBs
posted on 26/1/13
I dont know if it was mentioned, but the joy of having pacey defenders and the knock on effect of being able to play a high line is evident here. Sometimes I just do not see the need for rio and vidic. Honestly.
But hey... Legends abi?
posted on 26/1/13
Sorry, but surely the last few seasons has shown how much depth we require defensively? All 5 of our current CBs have suffered from some sort of injury over the past 2 seasons, to a point where we have had to play Carrick out of position.
Not only will we need all 3 of Evans, Smalling and Jones, but also one other, and it will be interesting to see if one of the current younger players comes through or we go out and buy someone. The number of games we play, mixed in with injuries that will occur, and I doubt anyone will be needing to leave.
What we also need from our CBs is some true leadership qualities, in the mould of Vidic. In terms of pure ability, Vidic is not actually much different to the rest of them, but it is his mindset that sets him apart, and why we miss him more than when the others are missing. Jones seems to have this type of quality more than the other 2, but along with De Gea, they all need to learn to be more vocal and organisational.
posted on 27/1/13
Soory but they cant play unless we can tjink of a name for them. Im sorry I just don't see it, smones will never work. Smevans is much better