Chris Smalling: 'I need to be more consistent'

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 08 June 2016

Manchester United and England centre-back Chris Smalling admits that he needs to keep up his recent performances if he is to be considered a top defender.

Manchester United and England defender Chris Smalling has admitted that he needs to become more consistent if he is to be regarded as one of the top players in his position.

The 26-year-old enjoyed arguably his best season for United last term despite the club missing out on a top-four finish, running David de Gea close for the club's Player of the Year award.

Smalling acknowledged that he performed well throughout the campaign, but stressed that maintaining that level is the most important aspect of being a top-class centre-back.

"[My season] was one that was very consistent. I always knew that if I can stay injury-free and just start the season very well, and get a good run, that I always could produce consistent performances," he told reporters.

"It's nice to have done it over the last 18 months but it is about continuing it now, do it for many years to be considered a very good centre-back.

"There's the ones like Rio [Ferdinand] who have done it for year after year after year, not just one year and then having a blip next year. It's about that consistency with central defenders, and that's what all managers want."

Smalling is expected to be part of the England side that will face Russia in their opening match at Euro 2016 on Saturday.