How ‘Smaldini’ proved right to take Roma risk
UNITED DEFENDER HAS MADE A HUGE IMPRESSION IN ITALY
CHRIS Smalling was adamant on his decision to take the plunge on a risky loan move to Roma last summer.
A lack of playing time had seen him fall down the pecking order at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Smalling knew he still had a lot to offer.
His irregular appearances had not only hampered his performances when they infrequently came but they had all but ended his dreams of representing England one last time. Something had to change.
What has followed has been one of the most extraordinary loan moves in recent years as Smalling has transformed himself from United outcast to one of the finest central defenders in the country famously revered for perfecting the art of defending.
Premier League icon Benito Carbone claimed ‘Serie A is lucky to have a player like him,’ while Italian World Cup winner Fulvio Collovati suggested United had made a mistake by even letting him join Roma in the first-place.
It is fitting this form has come while wearing the famous No.6 shirt which was retired for a lengthy period after legendary defender Aldair left the club, the 30-year-old’s online nickname of ‘Smaldini’ is one which no longer appears to be parody.
Smalling’s success in Italy has not only boosted United with another central defensive option for next season, but it has opened the door to possible loan moves for a number of similar players next year.
The likes of Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones have both experienced reduced roles under Solskjaer during the current campaign, but have both had similar highs as Smalling at the club.
Lingard and Jones are in a similar boat to Smalling was this time last year in that their stock has fallen and neither look to be in the long-term firstteam plans. In an ideal world both would be sold for a good fee this summer, but given the financial uncertainty which lies ahead United need to acknowledge it might not be possible.
Instead the pair, along with other players, must consider loan moves, and following Smalling’s success the prospect of playing in a foreign league should not be shunned.
It was a brave risk from Smalling to switch his comfortable position in Manchester for a risky role in Rome but it is one which has given him regular football and an opportunity to have a fresh start. No longer is he mocked for his calamitous partnership with Jones, but he is genuinely adored by a passionate fan base who nearly included him in their own team of the decade and led the calls for him to be reinstated into the senior England squad.
The postponement of the European Championship might be a kick in the teeth for Smalling’s hopes of a final farewell at international level, but for someone like Lingard next summer’s major tournament should be the incentive to pursue a career-defining loan move when the window finally opens again. A loan move might be an indication that your immediate future no longer lies at Old Trafford, but Smalling has proven that a second chance is much more likely if you show you’re prepared to take a risk to save it.
Smalling’s success could pave the way for other loan moves of similar players Richard Fay