Chris Smalling

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League: Saudi Pro LeagueTeam: Al-FayhaNationality: England
Positions:CBAge: ~36

Estimated market value (beta)

€0.1m€0.2m
Confidence: 63%
Valuation is computed by our proprietary formula, currently in development. Confidence denotes how sure we are of the estimate. Lower confidence widens the range.

Overview

MobilityControlDistributionThreatDefenseDuelsPotential
Overall x̄(w) = 59 / 100·Confidence 63%

Weighted average of attribute scores for this role, position-adjusted. Standout attributes count more than weaknesses.

Attributes (grouped)

Mobility

Acceleration48

Never explosive and further blunted by age 36 and past injuries. (conf 0.7)

Top speed52

Reasonable long-stride pace in his prime, now diminished with age. (conf 0.7)

Agility50

Solid but never elite change of direction for a big centre-back. (conf 0.65)

Stamina55

Managed carefully at Al-Fayha given his injury history and age. (conf 0.55)

Control

First touch62

Comfortable under pressure with a tidy first touch for a defender. (conf 0.65)

Dribbling45

Rarely beats a man, prefers simple carries out of defence. (conf 0.6)

Ball shielding68

Strong frame lets him shield the ball well under pressure. (conf 0.65)

Ball striking55

Decent clean contact when clearing or driving long balls forward. (conf 0.55)

Distribution

Short passing65

Reliable in build-up, especially improved during his Roma years. (conf 0.65)

Long passing62

Capable of switching play with reasonable range and accuracy. (conf 0.6)

Crossing30

Almost never asked to cross, minimal end product from wide areas. (conf 0.5)

Vision58

Reads passing lanes adequately but not a creative orchestrator. (conf 0.55)

Chance threat

Finishing40

Occasional set-piece goal but no reliable finishing quality. (conf 0.5)

Shot selection45

Rarely shoots outside clear headed chances near goal. (conf 0.45)

Off-ball movement60

Good instincts attacking set pieces as a target in the box. (conf 0.55)

Set-piece shot35

Not a designated taker, minimal direct free-kick or penalty threat. (conf 0.45)

Duels

Aerial82

Commanding in the air at both ends, a longstanding hallmark of his game. (conf 0.75)

Ground duels70

Strong tackler who reads timing well despite reduced sharpness with age. (conf 0.7)

Defense

Pressing intensity48

Conserves energy rather than pressing high at this career stage. (conf 0.55)

Defensive disruption65

Good interception numbers built on positional awareness rather than speed. (conf 0.6)

Defensive positioning75

Experienced reader of the game, well-organised in a back line. (conf 0.7)

Mental

Composure72

Calm under pressure, a trait praised throughout his Roma and England career. (conf 0.7)

Decision making68

Generally sound choices in possession and when stepping out to challenge. (conf 0.65)

Work rate60

Professional and committed, though pace of work has slowed with age. (conf 0.55)

Resilience

Injury reliability30

Injury-plagued for years, including serious setbacks during his Roma spell. (conf 0.7)

Outlook

Potential25

At 36, past his peak with limited remaining career trajectory. (conf 0.6)

Reputation62

Well-known former Manchester United and England centre-back with a long Serie A stint at Roma. (conf 0.7)

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Scouting Report & Player Insights

Chris Smalling is a physically imposing English centre-back known for his aerial dominance, positional sense, and composed defending, qualities honed across spells at Manchester United and AS Roma. Now in his mid-30s and playing for Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League, he offers experienced leadership and organisational value to a back line even as his mobility and durability have declined. He was capped for England and served as Roma captain, reflecting a long top-flight career built on reliability rather than flair.

Joined Manchester United from Fulham in 2010 and won multiple Premier League titles and the FA Cup with the club.

Joined AS Roma on loan in 2019 and signed permanently in 2020, becoming a key defender in Serie A.

Capped for the England national team, including participation in a major international tournament squad.

Joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Fayha after leaving Roma.

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