After dealing with multiple physical problems in the first half of the season, Chris Smalling has managed to stay healthy and helped the Roma defense with a few dominant performances. The Giallorossi have allowed just three goals in the last seven rounds and a single one on open play.
The English veteran has also found the back of the net once, equalizing the Salernitana match late, starting their comeback. The 33-year-old has sat out only one game since late November, due to COVID-19. He has gotten the nod in 11 Serie A matches in a row, getting a pair of maintenance days in the European Conference League.
That was not the case earlier in the campaign when he dealt with thigh and calf issues. He struggled with injuries in 2020-2021 as well, to the point that the club was considering moving on from him last summer. According to Corriere dello Sport, the turnaround has prompted the Roma management and Smalling to start discussing a new contract.
The center-back is tied to the club until 2023. The parties are negotiating a longer deal but at a lower annual salary. He presently makes €3M per year. The defender is keen on accepting it, as he is very comfortable in the Italian Capital. Moreover, he has a strong supporter in José Mourinho. They won their last trophy together in 2017 at Manchester United. “He is a top player; unfortunately, he spends more time off the pitch than on it,” the gaffer had stated in the early going.