Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier has been hailed for his display on the south coast in the Toon’s latest win.
Toon legend Alan Shearer has been speaking on Match of the Day 2 following Newcastle’s victory and highlighted Trippier’s influence in particular.
Eddie Howe’s Magpies are now sitting pretty in third spot of the Premier League table after Tottenham Hotspur were unable to reclaim their spot above the Toon later on Sunday afternoon.
It was another impressive outing for Newcastle, with a high-scoring return in which Trippier played a big role in both attack and defence.
And despite another goalscoring performance from Miguel Almiron, Shearer was left raving over the England man, who now has assists in his last two matches in the Premier League:
He said: “For me, it’s just about where he plays in that first game for England in the World Cup in two weeks’ time – whether it’s right-back, whether it’s right wing-back or whether it’s left-back.
“Because if you want someone who’s a very good defender, he’s it. If you want someone who’s going to create chances for your team by putting very, very good balls into the box, he’s also it.
“And he’s a great leader. Weight of passes into the forwards, because as a forward you want that ball pinged up to you, fizzed up to you, because the harder it is, the easier it is to control it – and it’s measured and it’s got quality most of the time.
“He’s been a real gamechanger for Newcastle with his attitude and with his ability – not only in going forward, but in defensive situations also. He really has been fantastic.”
TIF Thoughts on Shearer’s comments…
The Newcastle captain has made a real splash on Tyneside since joining in January, with seven goal contributions in his 22 appearances for the club – four of those coming this season.
Is Trippier PIF's best signing?
Yes
No
Trippier was everywhere for the visitors on Sunday, with his attacking threat shown in his three clearances, three tackles and an interception during the game (via SofaScore).
What is perhaps even more impressive is that in his 20 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, Howe’s men have lost just twice – to Liverpool and Manchester City.