Former Manchester City boss Joe Royle was full of praise for Chris Smalling after Manchester United's derby victory yesterday.
Royle wrote in the Mail on Sunday: "Sir Alex Ferguson is the best in the business at looking ahead. In Chris Smalling, he has the next Rio Ferdinand.
"This was Smalling's best performance in a United shirt.
"We know about his composure on the ball, as seen in one run out of defence, but Sir Alex will be more impressed with his defending yesterday - that is his primary job.
"When City were going for it in the closing stages, looking for an equaliser, Smalling stood firm and his finest moment came when he made a great tackle in the final moment.
"Nani looks more and more like the successor to Cristiano Ronaldo, Smalling is the equivalent for Ferdinand."
