Owen: Why rave about Smalling? I could play there

Matt Stead

Michael Owen cannot understand why Chris Smalling’s performances are earning such rave reviews, claiming that he could play at centre-half for Man United.

Smalling has emerged as United’s leading defender this season, but Owen, speaking to BT Sport, claims that anyone – including himself – could excel in that position due to United’s defensive style.

“To be so good going forward you have to commit players,” Owen said. “With Manchester United this year and Chelsea last year, everyone was raving about John Terry’s performances last year and now everyone raves about Chris Smalling. I could play centre-half when I’ve got Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, two full-backs that don’t move and wide players that really do a good shift.

“To be a good attacking team you almost all have to have some influence on going forward. Maybe not the two centre-halves, but it’s a team game. It’s not like ‘you six stay here and defend, and you four go and attack’.

“It’s a team game. You’re either a good attacking team or good defensively.”