A new report has detailed just how important Kieran Trippier is behind the scenes at Newcastle United.
Trippier was the first signing made by the new Newcastle owners, and has proven to be a transformative figure at St James’ Park.
As well as being an outstanding player, he is also a fantastic leader. He wears the captain’s armband when Jamaal Lascelles is not on the pitch, and is massively trusted by Howe.
The level of trust from Howe has been highlighted in an article by the Telegraph, which explains how Trippier diffused a situation when one Newcastle player was upset.
Kieran Trippier sat with Saint-Maximin for an hour when he was upset
According to the Telegraph, Allan Saint-Maximin was not happy that he was not immediately restored to the Toon starting XI when he returned from injury at the start of the year.
The report adds that due to ASM being upset, Trippier sat and talked to him for an hour to explain the manager’s decision and why he needed to be patient.
The intervention worked, as the 26-year-old eventually got back in the side and was really starting to impress until he suffered a hamstring injury.
It is great man-management from Howe, and brilliant leadership from Trippier. The boss was right to leave Saint-Maximin out of the side at the time, as it was unclear whether or not he could complete a full 90 minutes. And when he was getting chances off the bench, he wasn’t really taking them.
We have seen flashes of brilliance from Maxi in 2023, but his form before his latest injury was really good. The performances against Manchester United and West Ham were exceptional, as he provided an assist in each fixture. He also provided the defensive work ethic that is required to thrive in an Eddie Howe team.
It has been difficult for Saint-Maximin since Howe took over, but he finally seems to be clicking into gear and looking like a major player once again. Hopefully this continues, as rumours regarding a summer exit continue to circulate.
If ASM does continue to impress and stays at Newcastle, he will partially have Trippier to thank.
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