Speaking to ManUtd.com, Jones spoke of the solid partnership that helped Manchester United earn a clean sheet against the Premier League’s top scoring team:
“I hope there is the potential for a partnership between us.
“Every time I play with Chris, we’re comfortable. I think he’s a great leader and we complement each other well.
“I still don’t think we’ve played that many games together but we’ve done well so hopefully we can keep going and grow stronger.”
The two English defenders were signed by Sir Alex Ferguson, and Smalling says that their friendship helps them on the pitch:
“We’ve been together with the England Under-21s and the senior side and we are similar ages so we click and get on really well.
“We obviously train with each other every day and go away with the international team so we are very good friends off the pitch.
“As a defender, you want the back four to be as consistent as it can be throughout the season and, in the past few games, Phil has come in and done really well.”
Super Chris says that playing alongside legendary defenders like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic really helped his development:
“When you play with great defenders like Rio and Vida, train with them and see how they go about their day to day business, you learn a lot from them.
“When they left, there was a big void and someone had to step up, I tried to do my best to make an impact because they were big losses to our team as two of the most experienced players.”
Phil Jones has comeback from injury and made a very good claim to remain alongside Smalling in the starting line up. Jones has praised his team mate for his incredible start to the season:
“I’m delighted for Chris. He’s worked really hard, he’s a great lad on and off the field.
“He’s worked his socks off and deserves all the credit he’s getting.
“I don’t want to put any added pressure on him but everyone in the club is delighted with his progress and hopefully he can keep going.
“I need a consistent run like him too, absolutely. You can grow in confidence with a run of games.
“The more games you play, the more confidence you get and hopefully we can cement a partnership together.”
The pair are expected to team up again next weekend against high flyers Crystal Palace.
