RisingTransfers

Chris Smalling vs Eric Bailly

Per-90 stats comparison · Rising Transfers DNA Analysis · 2025/26 season

Data Verdict

Eric Bailly commands a higher market value (€38.0M vs €15.0M). Chris Smalling leads in goals / 90 and clearances / 90. Eric Bailly is stronger in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. The two players are closely matched across most statistical dimensions.

Based on per-90 statistics · How we compare players →

Player A

Chris Smalling

Defender
England
€15.0M
36 years old
Aerial
Full profile →
Player B

Eric Bailly

Defender
Ivory Coast
€38.0M
32 years old
Ball-Playing CB
Full profile →

Playing Style Profiles

Chris Smalling

Smalling is the rare veteran centre-back whose most statistically distinguished contribution in the Pro League this season is putting the ball in the net. That goals-per-90 figure landing in the top 20% among defenders tells you something about his timing and threat from set-pieces—a weapon that never shows up on a defensive report but wins points.

Eric Bailly

A Ball-Playing CB. Statistically, he stands out as commanding in the air (6.6 clearances/90), reads the game exceptionally (1.7 interceptions/90), meticulous in distribution (88% pass accuracy), wins the physical battle (67% duel success), blocks shots courageously (1.6 blocks/90), uses long balls frequently (5.0/90) and active off the ball (2.3 press score/90), contributing to defensive transitions.

Per-90 Statistics Comparison

MetricChris SmallingEric BaillyEdge
Goals / 900.100.00Chris
Tackles won / 900.440.53Eric
Interceptions / 900.891.69Eric
Clearances / 906.474.86Chris
Press intensity / 901.212.27Eric
Pass accuracy %88.3086.90Chris

All statistics per 90 minutes · 2025/26 season · FULL quality DNA data only

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the better player — Chris Smalling or Eric Bailly?

Eric Bailly commands a higher market value (€38.0M vs €15.0M). Chris Smalling leads in goals / 90 and clearances / 90. Eric Bailly is stronger in tackles won / 90 and interceptions / 90. The two players are closely matched across most statistical dimensions.

How is this comparison calculated?

Rising Transfers compares players using per-90 statistics normalised for playing time, combined with DNA playing style vectors built from 47 performance dimensions. This ensures fair comparison regardless of team, league, or playing time. Learn more about our comparison methodology →

What are their market values?

Chris Smalling has a market value of €15.0M, while Eric Bailly is valued at €38.0M.

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