Class of 92 vs Class of 2011 - Part 2/7

Gary Neville lines up with the Class of 92 at his testimonial in May 2011

On February 2nd 2011, Gary Neville announced his retirement from professional football with immediate effect following his omission from the Champions League squad for the knockout stages of the tournament. His retirement itself wasn't a massive shock to the club or the fans, but the timing certainly was. Mid-way through a season, as we were entering the run in for a record 19th championship. 

After he retired we saw John O'Shea, Rafael and Fabio all fill in at right-back over the course of the run in, but none of those players managed to make the role their own. This season however has seen the emergence of last years back up centre half Chris Smalling flourish in that position in pre-season and in the opening 4 games of the season. 

Despite it being VERY early days for Smalling in this position, I look at the attributes that made Gary Neville the greatest English right-back of all time, and the attributes that Chris Smalling possesses now that could lead him to making that right-back spot his own at Manchester United for years to come.

Right-Back vs Right-Back

Gary Neville vs Chris Smalling

Gary Neville is regarded as the greatest right-back in Premier League history as well as being England's most capped right back. Without doubt one of the best full backs of all time when in his prime. Chris Smalling is brand new to the position but has made it his own and has been superb so far this season. 

POSITIONING

GN: Gary's positioning was always superb as a youngster and he carried that on throughout his entire career. His ability to mark a wide man out of the game without sticking to him like glue was very good although against the elite players that style of defending always posed much more of a risk as seen against Figo and Roberto Carlos in 2003 when Figo scored his infamous cross/shot at the Bernabeu.

GRADE: 9/10

CS: Smalling's positioning is good, but as a natural centre-back, he often comes slightly too narrow. Only 21 years old of course so there is plenty of time for him to start learning and adapting. He's yet to get caught out properly at fully back, but he's only faced 3 games in the position. 

GRADE: 7/10

PACE

GN: Red Nev was never gifted with explosive pace and that's one of the only things that ever stopped him being named as the best right back in the world ahead of Cafu and Lillian Thuram. His lack of pace often saw him defeated by the super quick wingers, but his ability and desire often helped him out in situations where he was struggling.

GRADE: 6/10

CS: Smalling's pace is electrifying and has really shone at full back. His ability to push forward and get back quickly is excellent, meaning he is able to take part in attacks and get back to help defensively. Where his pace didn't show so much at centre back, it's now on show for all to see and it is without doubt one of his greatest attributes.

GRADE: 8/10

STAMINA

GN: Neville's stamina was always a great asset of his, but of course as he got older his stamina evaded him. He always had that edge on the opponent in the final minutes of games where he could overlap his good friend David Beckham and put in a cross which so often won Manchester United matches late on.

GRADE: 9/10

CS: England U21 international Smalling's stamina is good, but could definitely be improved. He's always running, but you do see him lose that extra burst he has as the game goes on. I'm sure it will improve as he plays more in that position, but for now it's an area that could certainly be improved.

GRADE: 8/10

CROSSING

GN: Gary's crossing was absolutely world class and probably better only by David Beckham and Ryan Giggs in the entire Manchester United squad. He had the vision to spot a run from a player and the skill to pick that pass out which led to so many goals for Manchester United and England during his 20 year playing career at the top level. His crossing was by far one of his greatest attributes as a defender.

GRADE: 10/10

CS: Chris Smalling's final ball can without doubt be improved but he does often put in some fine crosses. He regularly gets into those positions where a quality cross could lead to a goal, but he does sometimes struggle to hit his target. He needs to improve his crossing game if he is to go on to become a world class right back.

GRADE: 6/10

TACKLING

GN: Neville's tackling was one of the reasons he was an automatic choice for England and Manchester United at right-back for so long. His timing of tackle was superb and his anticipation and ability to read the game was excellent. As he got older his timing of tackle seemed to elude him (vs Stoke last year as an example) but generally his tackling was excellent and he often used his tackling as a way of making up for a lack of pace.

GRADE: 9/10

CS: Chris' tackling was suspect at Fulham and raised questions of why Ferguson would pay £10M for his services in January 2010. However, after impressing greatly in his first season at Old Trafford, his tackling improved greatly but he was still prone to the odd bad challenge - including the penalty he conceded at Stamdford Bridge. However he's getting much better and with age/experience, his ability should grow too.

GRADE: 7/10

TOTALS

GARY NEVILLE - 43/50
CHRIS SMALLING - 36/50

So at the age of 21, Chris Smalling is a centre back turned right-back with incredible potential. Gary Neville was a natural full back and one of the greatest of his time in that position so it's no surprise that Chris Smalling isn't at his level yet. However, at the age of 21 and now seemingly first choice right-back at a club like Manchester United he will surely only get better. His phenomenal power, speed and natural footballing ability leaves him great encouragement to believe he can become United and England's first choice right-back for many years to come.