Is Smalling The Best Defender In The League?

As the season wears on, it is a question that is becoming more and more pertinent with every passing performance of power and authority by Manchester United's no.12. Is Chris Smalling the best central defender in the Barclays Premier League?

Certainly, on current form, a case has to be made for the England international. Shortlisted for both August and September's Player of the Month awards at the club, the 25-year-old has realised the potential that led to managerial greats Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger competing for his signature back in 2010 after recognising his fledgling talents at Fulham.

Ever since some ridiculously jumped to question his future after he was sent off in the first half against Sunday's opponents Manchester City last November, his performances have been consistently excellent. Redemption for that red card has already been achieved with his goal in the 4-2 triumph over the Reds' neighbours back in April.

With City heading across town again this weekend, there is the perfect opportunity to further enhance his reputation in front of the watching millions as United strive to justify our title credentials. Not least because the Blues contain one of the other genuine contenders to the mantle as the league's best defender in classy captain Vincent Kompany.

Yet the 29-year-old Belgian has been limited to only five Premier League outings all season due to injury concerns. City fans may point to the fact the team did not concede a goal during these matches as proof of his enduring quality but he is not the rock of previous years and there is even some talk he will start on the bench at Old Trafford. If he does start, it will be intriguing to compare the two stoppers at Old Trafford as they attempt to handle the threat of Wayne Rooney, Anthony Martial, Raheem Sterling, Wilfried Bony and others.

Last season's PFA Team of the Year contained Chelsea duo John Terry and Gary Cahill at the heart of the back four. It is difficult to argue that Blues stalwart Terry was not the top central defender in the country in 2014/15 but he has been in and out of Jose Mourinho's side this term. Cahill, who looks set to be Smalling's partner for England in Euro 2016, also has his doubters as Chelsea have endured a difficult opening to the campaign.

Arsenal's Laurent Koscielny, who missed the recent game against the Reds at the Emirates Stadium, is another candidate. Swansea City captain Ashley Williams, Everton prospect John Stones and Southampton's Jose Fonte may be worthy of a mention. But Smalling, enjoying an injury-free run and growing in stature and confidence with each game, has been immense. He even led the Reds out against PSV Eindhoven further enhancing his status as one of the most-respected stars of the team.

The joke about Mike Smalling, a reference to a slip of the tongue by Louis van Gaal in mid-July, is surely wearing thin now. Little matter. Chris Smalling can expect to see his own name up in lights at the annual end-of-season PFA awards night if he continues to dominate opposing strikers. Without a hint of bias, he has been the best defender on show in the 2015/16 Premier League. If he can outshine Kompany and keep City's in-form attack in check on Sunday, it will only cement this view.

The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and should not be considered as representative of Manchester United Football Club.

Credit: Manutd.com