When Newcastle United fans begin to look back on the start of this new exciting era at St James’ Park, a lot will be said about Kieran Trippier.
He was the first player to take the plunge. The 32-year-old was the new owners’ first signing, costing £12million from Atletico Madrid.
He was and remains an exceptional signing, and it was a real statement of intent. It showed that Newcastle meant business, but also weren’t going to go crazy in the transfer market.
A common sense approach has dominated the Magpies’ transfer decisions, and Trippier epitomises that.
Signing an ageing right-back doesn’t really scream ‘richest club in the world’, but it summed up the ambition at Newcastle.
Trippier has been a Toon player for less than a year, but has already had a huge impact on and off the pitch.
Bent on Trippier at Newcastle
The media are raving about Newcastle right now, and former Sunderland striker Darren Bent is no different.
He has appeared on The Kelly And Wright Show, and praised the recruitment at St James’ Park – particularly the arrival of Trippier.
“What he [Howe] has done really well is handled the expectation because I think a lot of people were getting carried away when the owners first came in, talking about getting superstars of world football,” he said.
“But he has brought in a lot of players with great ability like Bruno but also with the right temperament. Players who want to go there and do well but not just for the money, they want to go and improve Newcastle.
“The likes of Kieran Trippier who kind of goes under the radar but is a leader for them.”
Trippier is improving Newcastle
The fact Trippier goes under the radar sums up what an incredible professional he is. He rarely puts a foot wrong, and can dictate a game from the right of defence.
While he is being slightly overshadowed by Bruno Guimaraes now, there is no doubting that Trippier is one of the best players the club has ever seen.
His impact has been astounding. He could easily have arrived for a payday, dropped his levels and done the bare minimum. But that hasn’t happened.
Instead he has raised standards. Those around him are getting better. Miguel Almiron is transformed playing in front of him, and the same happened to Ryan Fraser last season.
As Bent says, Trippier is a leader. He wears the armband in Jamaal Lascelles’ absence and clearly commands respect. He is the go between for the players and Eddie Howe.
Big names were linked when the takeover happened, but Trippier will always remain one of the most important signings in the club’s history.
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