Chris Smalling

A young central defender with Manchester United.

A classy, composed centre-back with a reading of the game beyond his years and all the physical tools required to excel at the position, Chris has enjoyed a rapid rise to prominence, having been playing for non-League Maidstone United just four years ago.

The young defender signed for Fulham in June 2008 and soon made giant strides, impressive displays for the reserves leading to a first-team debut as a second-half substitute against Everton in May 2009.

By then already an England U20 international, a fine start to the 2009-10 campaign brought a call-up to the U21s in November and interest from several clubs, with a transfer to United being agreed in January 2010.

Chris moved to Old Trafford the following summer and has enjoyed a fine start to his career with the Red Devils, ably deputising at the heart of defence when required, performing with aplomb in a number of important matches and earning three caps for England, the first against Bulgaria in September 2011.