*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:09, 31 August 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 00:51, 11 September 2024 (UTC)
On 21 February 2017, Smallbone signed a professional contract with Southampton.[5] He made his professional debut for Southampton in a 2–0 FA Cup victory over Huddersfield Town on 4 January 2020, scoring the opening goal.[6] On 22 February 2020, Smallbone went on to make his Premier League debut in a 2–0 victory over Aston Villa.[7]
Having just started to appear regularly for the first team, on 16 January 2021, Smallbone suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in a 2–0 defeat at Leicester. As a result, he was expected to be out of action for up to six months.[8] On 26 October 2021, Smallbone made his first professional appearance since his injury, replacing Stuart Armstrong in Southampton's defeat to Chelsea after a penalty shootout in the EFL Cup.[9]
2022–present
On 23 July 2022, Smallbone joined Stoke City on a season-long loan.[10] He scored his first goal for Stoke in a 2–0 win at Preston North End on 15 October 2022.[11] Smallbone was a regular under Alex Neil in 2022–23, making 46 appearances, scoring three goals as Stoke finished in 16th position.[12]
On 28 August 2023, Smallbone signed a three-year contract extension with Southampton.[13] He scored his first league goal for the club on 30 September 2023 in a 3–1 victory against Leeds United.[14]
In November 2022, Smallbone was included in Stephen Kenny's senior squad for forthcoming friendlies. He made his debut on 22 March 2023 in a friendly match against Latvia, which ended in a 3–2 victory.[20] He won Player of the Match award for his display against Latvia.[21]
Personal life
Smallbone was diagnosed with alopecia in 2021 whilst recovering from his ACL injury.[22][23] In December 2022, he became an ambassador for Alopecia UK.[24][25]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 31 August 2024
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition