Manchester United hitman Danny Welbeck says that defender Chris Smalling is the toughest within the club to face in training. Welbeck has been a United player from the youth days, while Smalling joined the club in a £ 12 million deal from Fulham a few years ago. Both being Englishman, they have developed a great rapport and are seen as the future of Manchester United. Welbeck has matured a lot since the loan days at Sunderland. He is now capable of playing both as a winger or upfront along with the striker. At just 23 years of age, he is already one of the regular players for the England national team.

During his time as a professional, Welbeck has come across several defenders – both good and bad. However, he rates Smalling is the toughest he has faced after seeing the 23-year-old perform at his best during training. Smalling has been criticised in some quarters for his inability to concentrate throughout the 90 minutes, but he has showed this season that he could be an invaluable player to United especially with the likes of Ferdinand and Vidic coming to the end of their careers at the club. Vidic will leave United at the end of the season, while Ferdinand is expected to retire.

“I would have to say Chris Smalling is the most difficult to get past in training. He’s one of our fastest players and can rival most of the forwards for pace. He also reads the game really well and is always in the right place at the right time, clearing up any danger. I’m just glad that I get to play with him for both United and England. I’d hate to play against him!” said Welbeck about his club and international team mate Smalling.

Welbeck has 10 goals so far this campaign.