Viv Anderson says Chris Smalling has what it takes to dominate the centre-back position for club and country for the next decade.
Smalling has been one of the standout performers for Manchester United and England so far this term, and Anderson – who won 30 caps for England between 1978-1988 – says he is going from strength to strength.
"Smalling has managed to cement his spot, and really has made the place his own," he told TheFA.com.
Chris Smalling has 18 England caps
"Of all the people in that squad at Manchester United – I think he’s the one that’s taken on whatever Louis van Gaal has said to him and is delivering exactly what the manager wants.
"He’s being more consistent than he’s ever been before, and he looks an accomplished player. So whatever they’ve done for him, I think it’s for the good of England and Manchester United.
"I think he’s also taken the armband on a couple of occasions as well – so I think that added responsibility might have helped trigger everything for him.
Viv Anderson played for Manchester United between 1987 and 1991
"He’s certainly playing really really well, and long may it continue."
Smalling has featured in each of Manchester United’s 13 games so far this term, as they returned to the top of the Premier League table for the first time since the opening day of the 2013-14 campaign.
He has also been a regular for Roy Hodgson’s England, and put in a man-of-the-match performance in the 2-0 victory against Switzerland in September.
And although Anderson says he never doubted the 25-year-old’s natural ability, he believes he has added something equally important to his game.
"He’s quick, he’s athletic and he’s got better on the ball – and he’s beginning to get that consistency that you have to have to get to the very top," added Anderson.
"I think he’s slowly but surely getting that way. He has a very exciting future ahead of him if he continues on this path.
Viv Anderson joined Arsenal in 1984
"Now he is getting that game time and he’s built up a bit of a rapport with Daley Blind, which has surprised a lot of people.
"They’ve formed a good partnership together and it really seems to be working."
And as to whether he can continue on the same upwards trajectory for the next decade, Anderson was in no doubt.
"There’s no reason why not," he continued.
"You can’t say that with certainty though, as you never know what could happen with injuries – as we saw with Luke Shaw the other night. Things can happen. But he’s playing at a top club, they’re in Europe, they’re doing really well and they’re top of the league."
Anderson – who played 68 times for the Red Devils – was speaking as Manchester United and Smalling prepare to face another of his former clubs on Sunday.
Viv Anderson, the first black man to play for England, will be appearing in Manchester on 15 October
The Nottingham-born defender moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal in the summer of 1987.
During his three years in north London, he featured on 130 occasions for the Gunners and still looks back on his time at both clubs with fond memories.
"I still have a soft spot for both teams," he continued.
"You’re looking at the two teams going into it – Arsenal had a bad result against Olympiakos, Man Utd got a good result at home and they’re top of the league.
"So perhaps Man Utd might be slight favourites, but they’re always tight affairs – so I’m going to sit on the fence and go for a draw. A score draw!"
Anderson will be appearing at 'An Audience with Viv Anderson', at the People's History Museum in Manchester on Thursday 15 October, 7-9pm.
Radical Hero
An Audience With Viv Anderson
People's History Museum, Manchester
7pm, Thursday 15 October
Suggested donation - £5
Click here for tickets
To coincide with Black History Month, Rodney Hinds from The Voice newspaper is hosting a special talk-in with Viv Anderson, chatting through the life and career of England’s first black international.
The FA has partnered with Manchester County FA and the People’s History Museum’s Radical Heroes programme, the inspiring men and women who feature in the story of democracy through the ages.
He will share his experiences from a time when racism in football was vicious and ever-present, discuss the challenges, and players, he faced how and he overcame them to become one of the game’s true pioneers.
Click here for more information about the event, and to book your tickets.
