Kieran Trippier is a ‘game changer’ for Newcastle United, according to Toon legend Alan Shearer.
The 32-year-old captained the Magpies to another victory on Sunday, with Eddie Howe’s side beating Southampton 4-1 away from home.
The result means Newcastle will definitely be in the top four heading into the World Cup break. It even lifted them into third, and they will be staying there for at least a week after Tottenham failed to beat Liverpool.
While Newcastle weren’t at their best at St Mary’s, they did enough to put Southampton to the sword. Howe’s men scored some excellent goals, with Trippier providing a glorious assist for Joe Willock.
We also saw Miguel Almiron carry on his goalscoring run. The Paraguayan now has eight goals this season, and is taking his October form into November.
There were moments of magic all over the pitch for Newcastle, and Shearer has praised the impact on the stand-in skipper on the right of defence.
Shearer on Trippier after Southampton blitz
Newcastle’s all-time leading goalscorer appeared on Match of the Day 2 on Sunday night, and hailed Trippier’s contribution.
“He’s a great leader,” Shearer said.
“Weight of passes into the forwards, because as a forward you want that ball pinged up to you, and it’s measured and has quality most of the time.
“He’s been a game changer for Newcastle with his attitude and ability, not only in going forward but also defensively. He really has been fantastic.
“The relationship he has with Almiron down the right hand side, it’s no coincidence that Almiron is playing his best football.
“His all round football has been fantastic, it really has been amazing.”
Trippier and Almiron a perfect duo
As Shearer says, it is no coincidence that Almiron is suddenly playing out of his skin when he’s got Trippier behind him. They are a dream pairing down Newcastle’s right.
Trippier just has that ability to make those in front of him better. We saw it with Ryan Fraser last season.
Now it’s Almiron who is benefitting, and he has taken his game to a level we didn’t know he was capable of. The 28-year-old is having the season of his life, and lessening Newcastle’s need for a new right winger with every game.
It’s another example of the impact Trippier has had since his £12million move to Tyneside. He was a statement signing at the time, and will be remembered as a key part of the Toon project in years to come.
The England international’s role has been vital. He is a difference maker in defence and attack, while he also leads by example and gets more out of the players around him.
Shearer thinks Trippier has been ‘fantastic’, and he couldn’t be more right. It’s a joy to see him play for our club.
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