Chris Smalling is often seen as a comedic figure around Old Trafford, a subject for derision and fodder for bar room bickering.
This criticism is not without merit, with Manchester United fans right to feel they are sometimes watching a comedy of errors when Smalling is in the side.
Defeat to Newcastle a few weeks ago and the 2-2 draw with Leicester at the end of 2017 stand out for Red Devils fans.
Smalling was booked for diving against the Magpies a month ago which in turn led to Matt Ritchie’s winner.
The 28-year-old injured his groin towards the end of the 2-2 draw with the Foxes two days before Christmas but was sent back on as Jose Mourinho had made all three of his substitutions – he was subsequently at fault as Harry Maguire ghosted in to equalise for the 10-man hosts.
Smalling was slammed. In fact, whenever he makes a mistake, he receives significant abuse – most of it from his own fans.
Ironically, his more impressive displays are buried, while his consistency this season has gone almost totally unnoticed.
After suffering the ignominy of that yellow card against Newcastle, he remained in the spotlight rather than being withdrawn to the sanctuary of the shadows by Mourinho. And he’s been excellent in a subsequent unbeaten five match run, including four wins, against Huddersfield, Sevilla, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Liverpool.
Smalling has been superb since being singled out for scorn in a 1-0 defeat at Newcastle.
In that sequence, a crucial period of the season, United have reached the FA Cup quarter-finals, are favourites to reach the last eight of the Champions League and have beaten two of their biggest rivals to all but guarantee a top-four Premier League finish.
Smalling has been the Red Devils’ only ever present centre-back during this vital run. He’s gone from sinner to saint, yet he’s unlikely to ever get the credit he deserves.
Much of that is down to the fact he’s struggled for consistency throughout his United career, while he’ll never be remembered as one of the elite players at his position.
But you only have to look at his stats this season to see how much he stands out.
Smalling ranks first among Premier League top six sides’ centre-backs for clearances (21st overall), second in shots blocked (13th overall), third for interceptions (10th overall), fourth in aerial duels won (16th overall) and seventh in tackles (18th overall).
In a United defence that has lacked a true identity and a cohesive central partnership all season, and relied heavily upon David De Gea’s brilliance, Smalling has been the standout.
He may never be revered among the ilk of Franco Baresi or Franz Beckenbauer. He’s won’t ever be mentioned in the same breath as celebrated club heroes Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic.
Yet when you consider Smalling rose from the non-league ranks with Maidstone United to England’s elite, can he really be condemned for the fact he’s never realistically going to be part of a discussion about world-class defenders?
Love beating Liverpool. Love the look on the fans faces in this photo. #MUFC #GGMU #ManUtd #premierleague pic.twitter.com/sx6nOyQFlS
— Chris Smalling (@ChrisSmalling) 10 March 2018
It seems he will be in the discussion, however, between England manager Gareth Southgate and his coaching staff when they come to select a squad for upcoming friendlies with the Netherlands and Italy.
It’s been suggested Southgate will recall Smalling after a commanding display in victory against Liverpool on Saturday and silencing an attack that has cut teams to shreds this season – and particularly keeping Player of the Year in waiting Mohamed Salah deathly quiet.
He’s a continuous source of hilarity for fans of other clubs, even his own.
Yet if Smalling’s form continues and is deservedly rewarded with a place in England’s 23-man squad for this summer’s World Cup, it will be he who laughs last.
