Former Premier League marksman Kevin Phillips has backed Chris Smalling as an ‘excellent’ signing for a club such as Everton.
Phillips, who boasts experience with the likes of Watford, Sunderland and Crystal Palace, was full of praise for the ex-Manchester United stalwart.
Currently plying his trade in Italy with Serie A side AS Roma, Sky Italia recently reported that the centre-back was the subject of enquiries from Everton.
Having initially spent a season out on loan in the Italian capital, a protracted transfer saga eventually saw the Roman side agree an £18 million fee with the Manchester club.
He is under contract until 2023 but could be part of a cull following a season dampened by injury struggles.
Ex-Spurs manager Jose Mourinho was confirmed as the new Roma boss following his London departure in April, and Smalling has been tipped to be shown the exit door.
Phillips has claimed that Smalling would be well-adjusted for a Premier League return, identifying him as a useful acquisition as he spoke to Football Insider:
“He’s shown he’s more than capable as a Premier League centre-back,” he claimed.
“He was under a little bit of criticism for the way he was performing when he left for Italy.
“But fair play to him, he’s gone out to Italy, played lots of football and rediscovered his form. He’s an excellent footballer.
“He might have been able to go and enjoy it because the pressure may not be as big over there.
“If he is to come back then he’ll be a more experienced, well-developed footballer. He can turn out to be a good asset for someone in the Premier League.”
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A 31-cap England international, Smalling certainly is far from being short of experience in some of Europe’s top leagues and on the international stage.
If he does emerge as an unwanted figure under Mourinho, the home-grown £10.8 million-valued talent could be available affordably – representing strong value for money in relation to his top-flight experience.
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