Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has claimed that teammate Chris Smalling is one of the best centre-halves in the world.

The 25-year-old has earned praise for the improvement in his performances for United and England after establishing himself as a regular under Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford.

"He has been incredible and for me he is right up there in world football in terms of centre-halves," Rooney told BBC Sport.

"He is in the top three centre-halves in the world, I think he is that good. He is developing to become more of a leader of the back four and it is great to see for both United and England."

Smalling has made 16 appearances in all competitions for United this season.

Written by
Steven Toplis