Wayne Rooney rates Chris Smalling as ‘one of the best defenders in the world’
Manchester United and England centre back has had a breakthrough year in 2015 under Louis van Gaal
Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is among the “top three centre halves in the world”, according to club captain Wayne Rooney.
Smalling, who has risen from a bit-part player to a first team regular under manager Louis van Gaal over the past 18 months, is enjoying his finest ever run of form for his club and has featured in all of United’s games this season.
He has been incredible and for me he is right up there in world football in terms of centre halves
“He has been incredible and for me he is right up there in world football in terms of centre halves,” Rooney told Manutd.com.
“He is in the top three centre-halves in the world – I think he is that good.
“He is a great player and he is developing to become more of a leader of the back four. It is great to see for both United and England, and hopefully that can continue for him and he can help us to be successful.”
The England captain’s praise of Smalling comes in the wake of Van Gaal saying the defender could one day captain United, and the 25-year-old has said the manager’s influence has been key to his improved performances.