Breaking Through

One of the stand-out performers in Fulham’s opening pre-season friendly against Gold Coast United on Wednesday was Chris Smalling.

The 19-year-old defender was imposing and calm at the centre of defence as he played a key role in a first-half shut-out of the hosts, and caught the eye with a number of crucial tackles and timely interventions.

“It was really exciting when I heard that I was going to be starting, alongside Johnny [Pantsil]. We had a little chat and decided to keep things simple and I think it went quite well,” enthused the youngster who was plucked by the Club from non-League Maidstone United little over a year ago.

“We’ve only had a handful of training sessions, but I think everyone was still a little disappointed with the result. It was just our first friendly though, so it was more about getting some fitness under our belts. If we had been a couple of weeks further down the line I think we would have been more comfortable, but it was a good game to get the legs going again.”

Smalling only became a Fulham player last summer, but a remarkable year of progress culminated in his Premier League debut as a substitute against Everton on the final day of the campaign.

“It kind of built up to a point and I didn’t really want the season to end,” he reflects. “But we didn’t have too long off before we were back for pre-season and this was the next step, getting involved with this tour, so it’s been good to kick-off with a start and a good performance.”

Of course, a more positive result would have been even better, but the Greenwich-born teenager recognises that it is still early days yet and is confident that the team will be in fine fettle by the time the Europa League qualifiers kick-off three weeks today.

“The games are coming thick and fast now, and I think if we get another good training session behind us tomorrow, on Saturday everyone will be looking to improve different aspects of their play. Everyone is looking forward to the next two games as chances to keep progressing.

“With two games back in England after the tour, by the time July 30th comes around we will be well up and running. The day we fly back is the day of the Europa League draw, so everyone is looking forward to that.”

Especially Chris, who recognises that the additional games that a European campaign may provide could mean more exposure to senior first team football for he and other youngsters on the fringes of the squad.

“It’s definitely an opportunity,” he says. “These games at the moment where we’re getting the chance to play are great. Obviously, you train with the squad each day, but it’s the games that give you they taste of the big stage and it’s great that a few of us, like Matty Saunders and Matthew Briggs, have been given the chance. Hopefully we can all take it.

“I’ve travelled with the squad to away games in the past and spent the odd night with the team, but being together for a couple of weeks is great for the unity. It’s a chance to get to know everyone and really gel together.”

In what could well prove to be a breakthrough season for the England U19 international, he is optimistic that his chance will come over the course of the next 10 months.

“This season, for me, is about continuing where I left off,” he states. “I’d love to be involved in all the three games out here and the two when we get back. Then hopefully we can get through the qualification games and get into the Europa League group stage.

“My ideal target for the new season is really to be involved as much as possible with Europe and the cups, but I’d be happy to just be more involved with the squad on a regular basis.”