Gary Pallister believes Chris Smalling has been the best centre-back in the EPL this season

Chris Smalling has arguably been the best centre-back in the Premier League this season, according to former Manchester United defender Gary Pallister.

Smalling has registered 20 appearances in all competitions in 2015/16, with the Red Devils conceding just eight goals in 12 games in the League.
"If you're looking for consistency in judging the best player in the Premier League in his position so far this season, I think Chris ticks all the boxes," Pallister told United's official website.
"His performances have been exemplary. He's now a proper defender. He's more confident, he's enjoyed a good run in the team and he’s enjoyed the responsibility the manager has given him in making him captain on occasions.
"I think it's mainly down to the fact that he's been injury-free for a while; he's played a number of games now in his preferred position of centre-back and we're seeing the Smalling we saw when he first came to the club.
"We've needed that solidity at the back and he has provided that.
"He loves the defending side of the game, which is what we've needed from a centre-half, to just be aggressive, be tough, make the tackles and head the balls, dominate the penalty box. And that's what Chris is doing, coming up against these big lumps."
Pallister won the League four times in a lengthy stay at Old Trafford, which lasted from 1989 to 1998.