2016-2017 Season Performance Review: Chris Smalling

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 14: Chris Smalling of Manchester United in action during the Premier League match between Mancheser United and Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on May 14, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by John Peters/Man Utd via Getty Images) /

Pre-Season

After playing a large part in Euro 2016 for England, Chris Smalling did not feature at all for Manchester United in the pre-season. The England center back was on holiday after the disappointing showing by the Three Lions in the tournament.

Start of the Season

The big defender did not get his first start until the Europa League match against Feyenoord. He spent most of August trying to regain his fitness as he missed the pre-season friendlies. He nodded in a goal against Leicester City when United thrashed the side 4-1. Smalling did not have a very good first half of the season and his worst performance came in the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea. After that match, he did not feature again until the middle of December where he played well as the first half of the season winded down.

Mid-Season

Smalling featured often for the Red Devils after the start of the year and even added a goal against Wigan and an assist against Leicester City. Smalling solidified himself and Jose Mourinho’s lineup and seemed to have regained his form from last season. Along with his teammate Phil Jones, Smalling was injured on international duty and missed the end of March and all of April for the Red Devils. United had an injury crisis in the back after these injuries.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 24: Chris Smalling celebrates during the UEFA Europa League final between Ajax and Manchester United at Friends Arena on May 24, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) /

End of the Season

Smalling regained fitness for the second leg of the Europa League semi-finals and came on in the dying seconds of the game. He got his first start back in the defeat to Arsenal and played all 90 minutes. He impressed Mourinho and was able to start in the Europa League final where he assisted Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s goal to seal the final.

Overall Stats

The Englishman featured 36 times for United this season and was able to contribute 2 goals and 2 assists on the year. Smalling had a few injuries that held him back but after a rough start to the season, he was able to regain his form and help keep a numerous amount of clean sheets. Next season, Smalling will have to stay healthy and show he can be a leader under Jose Mourinho.

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