The 28-year-old defender has been subjected to criticism for the most part of this season for his inconsistency at the heart of Manchester United’s defense. However, there have been glimpses of the player who won the Players' Player of the Year award in the 2015/2016 season in recent times.
Aside making sure the back four stays organized, the English defender performs attacking duties as well. After scoring away at Crystal Palace, getting the match-winner in Manchester United’s 3-2 over bitter rivals Manchester City, Chris Smalling, again, exhibited his attacking prowess by getting on the scoresheet in his side’s mid-week win over Bournemouth.
He got on the end of a pass by Jesse Lingard to give his side the lead in the first-half before Romelu Lukaku put the game to bed with Man United’s second inside the 70th minute.
Since the start of March, no player has scored more away PL goals than Chris Smalling (3).
— Sky Sports Statto (@SkySportsStatto) April 18, 2018
Dele Alli, David Silva, Cenk Tosun, Jamie Vardy & Chris Wood also have 3 in that time pic.twitter.com/eBGtQZDJiI
The former Fulham man has since been showered with praises by fans on social media. Below are some of the best tweets:
Smalling and Jones very solid tonight. Didn’t see much of Fellaini, which means he did his job. Some very good runs by Pogba. Happy to see Blind back on the pitch too, it’s been a long time ! #mufc
— All For United (@allforunited) April 18, 2018
Smalling guaranteed to play vs Spurs again. Was a horror show last time, wish it was anyone but him at the end of that cross for the weekend’s sake!
— Hesham Bilal-Hafiz (@hesham786) April 18, 2018
4- Chris Smalling has scored the same number of goals in the Premier League as Mesut Ozil this season. #mufc
— United Xtra (@utdxtra) April 18, 2018
Premier league goals in 2018:
— Tom (@TantalizingToby) April 18, 2018
Chris Smalling = 3
Alexandre Lacazette = 3
Willian = 3
Leroy Sane = 3
Alvaro Morata = 2
United fans hate so much on smalling but he's scoring clutch goals which has turned games around for you. pic.twitter.com/3B0HzNanNS
Chris Smalling has scored more goals than Alvaro Morata in 2018. Pass it on.
— R™ (@RealTalkMUFC) April 18, 2018
When you realise that Chris Smalling has the same amount of Away goals in 2018 as Lacazette. pic.twitter.com/GqW6P6uTbu
— Ryan. (@Vintage_Utd) April 18, 2018
Stop comparing goal tallies of Morata and Lacazette to Lukaku and start comparing them to Smalling.
— R™ (@RealTalkMUFC) April 18, 2018
Smalling with more away goals than Arsenal this year. What a fantastic stat.
— Gaz (@CantonaManc) April 18, 2018
