Former Manchester United defender Viv Anderson is impressed with the way in which his old side have transformed Chris Smalling, who he now believes is in a position to become a dominant figure for both club and country.

Smalling has been in superb form under Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford this season and is a major reason why the Red Devils are fighting it out at the top of the Premier League table.




Anderson is delighted to see Smalling flourishing and feels whatever Van Gaal and his coaching staff have been doing it is paying dividends.

"Smalling has managed to cement his spot, and really has made the place his own", the ex-Red Devil told The FA's official site.
 


"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 continued.

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"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."

Anderson, who turned out for Manchester United from 1987 until 1991, feels that Smalling has relished the extra responsibility of being a leader at Old Trafford.

"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."

Van Gaal will be looking for Smalling to continue his fine form later today when Manchester United take on Arsene Wenger's Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in a crucial early season Premier League clash.