Eddie Howe thinks ‘vital’ £12m Newcastle player was even better than usual vs AC Milan

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Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe had to rely on his defence to get a point in the Champions League opener against AC Milan, and they did not let him down.

The Magpies were able to keep a clean sheet at the San Siro, meaning they are off the mark in Champions League Group F, also know as the ‘group of death’.

But Newcastle showed signs of life during matchday one, even if they were clinging on at times against AC Milan.

Howe’s side really dug in to get a draw, with Nick Pope making some spectacular saves to earn a clean sheet. He was tested eight times, but was equal to everything that came his way.

However, it was not just Pope who excelled to deny AC Milan. It was also a wonderful performance from Kieran Trippier, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday.

The England international was praised by Declan Rice on social media after the game, while his manager Eddie Howe also took time to comment on how well the Toon defender did on Tuesday night.

Eddie Howe delighted to see Kieran Trippier step up for Newcastle

After the Champions League clash with AC Milan, Howe spoke to the Northern Echo. He heaped praise on Trippier for his performance at the San Siro.

“Kieran is a vital part of our defence,” he said.

“He did very well against a very dangerous opponent. He used his vast experience. I thought that was a real highlight in our back four.

“His experience and his communication are always strong, but it needed to be even more so tonight. I thought all the back four did really well.”

Trippier was instrumental during Champions League draw with AC Milan

Trippier is always one of Newcastle’s most reliable players, but he took his game to an even greater level on Tuesday night.

The £12million signing was outstanding in Italy, using all of his experience to shut out Milan and help his teammates on what will have been a daunting occasion.

Trippier never looked fazed. He dealt with everything that came his way, and used every ounce of energy to win Newcastle a point. Even at 33 and with the game stretched, he was able to recover and produce a huge sliding tackle to disrupt an AC Milan counterattack late in the day.

The Toon right-back led by example at the San Siro, and Howe was delighted to see Trippier be even more influential than he usually is. That is a real testament to his ability, character and mentality.