Chris Smalling Has Been Dribbled Past Less Than Virgil Van Dijk This Season

Chris Smalling has been dribbled past less times than Virgil van Dijk this season as it looks like 'Smalldini' has returned.

Smalling was deemed surplus to requirements by Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he signed for Serie A side Roma on loan on transfer deadline day.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a promising start to life in Italy and is yet to be dribbled past in any of his six games for Roma so far this season.

By comparison, Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has been beaten three times already this season.

Van Dijk had previously been hailed for his composure in one on one situations after not being dribbled past all last season.

Smalling had earned himself the nickname 'Smaldini' from Manchester United fans over the years, as a nod to Italy and AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

Little did Manchester United fans know that he'd eventually move to Italy and put in a series of commendable performances.

Some United fans were enjoying the stats on Twitter, commenting with admiration for their on loan defender.

Smalling could perhaps consider himself hard done by being shipped out by United over the summer.

The former Fulham man was one of the most used defenders by 'The Red Devils' last season, playing 34 games in all competitions.

His technical ability on the ball was lacking compared to Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire arrived for £80 million in the summer.

The decision to loan him out was likely made due to his first team opportunities being more limited in a new look United defence.

However his stats from Italy this season do show that there is still a decent defender there.

There is a chance that Smalling returns to United next season if Roma choose to not make the move permanent.

Injury blighted pair Phil Jones and Eric Bailly are becoming increasingly unreliable so perhaps there is a place back at Old Trafford for 'Smaldini' next season.