Definition: In this task, you will be presented with a passage and have to answer a question based on your understanding of the events inferred from the passage. Try to find the best answer that is most likely to fill in "_". Note that the URLs in the text have been replaced with [Link].
Input: Manchester United legend Gary Pallister believes Chris Smalling has what it takes to lead club and country after seeing a dramatic improvement this season from the centre back. Smalling has shone under United boss Louis van Gaal this season, with the 25-year-old having emerged as the Dutchman's first-choice defender due to his commanding presence. The Red Devils have the joint-third best defensive record in the Premier League this campaign - having conceded just eight goals so far. And Pallister believes that Smalling's contribution towards this could be replicated on a grander scale for England too. 'It's very feasible as he is United's vice-captain so as long as the manager keeps getting his name right he'll be alright,' he said of the 25-year-old to 888sport.Chris Smalling has improved massively as a defender this seasonManchester United have conceded just eight league goals this term so farUnited great Gary Pallister also thinks Daley Blind can emulate Steve Bruce 
 Question:At United Smalling has formed an unfamiliar yet solid defensive partnership with _ this season.

Daley Blind