The Rise of Phil Jones

Phil Jones was signed by Sir Alex in The  Start of 2011 -12 Season, After impressive display  of leadership and defensive skills with  Blackburn Rovers. Few theories stayed that United  were  behind  Rapheal  Varane who  was at Lens during  that moment  but were defeated for his signature to Mourinho’s  Real Madrid and as a result  they were stuck  with Jones. He  signed  a contract of 5 years for a huge fee of 16.5 million pounds.  Jones was a young lad who showed early promise  and  a great  partner for  Ferdinand.  But over the course  of time he became injury  prone and there started  his decline. He was like a forgotten  hero. Now as he is fit the New boss Jose Mourinho has some how made him into the  defender he  was who loved tackling and charging  towards strikers and a very  disciplined lad.
Due to his  current  resurrection  he has formed  a blend of Chemistry and understanding  with fellow  teammate and defender  Marcos  Rojo. Due to his impressive performance  in the recent  weeks he has some what  beaten Once a first teamer and a feared defender  Chris Smalling.
The latter who has fallen down the pecking order has lost his place to Jones and is giving him a tough fight to retain  his place. Many also say that United may need  a new defender as a backup for  Jones  who is arguably  still injury prone. One knock and it’s kaboom for all.He may be out for a long time. Touch wood he doesn’t.
Jones and Rojo have  showed  their  boss that they  don’t need a  new defender. But what are your thoughts?

Season        Appearances
2011-12         41
2012-13         24
2013-14         39
2014-15         24
2015-16         13
2016-17         14 and counting

The Current defensive battle  is somewhat like this
1.Phil Jones
2.Marcos Rojo
3.Eric  Bailly
4.Daley Blind
5.Chris Smalling
Do you agree with this?

With the arrival of  Eric  Bailly from  AFCON    One  of the two  Defender’s Jones and Rojo might have to make way for the  Ivorian

             
                    Jones                   Smalling

   Tackles      15                      5

Interceptions 17                     5
                                                  
  Blocks           9                       3

 Clearance     84                    46

    Fouls           5                      3

    Yellow         0                     0             

    Red              0                     0

   Games         10                   10

 Aerial duals    76 %               74%

THE COMPARISON OF  JONES AND SMALLING  IN THE  PREMIER  LEAGUE
The above stats show that in the Premier League  both the players have played same number of games  and still Jones   better than Smalling  this  season.