Newcastle’s £32m ace knows why he’s not playing with team-mate still ‘the best’

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Newcastle United’s £32 million summer signing Tino Livamento ‘understands’ his benchwarming role with Kieran Trippier established as the first-choice right-back at the Premier League high-flyers.

You could probably count on one hand the clubs who would not find a place in their starting XI for one of the most exciting young full-backs in European football.

Tino Livramento, who moved to St James’ Park from Southampton for an initial £32 million, would walk into most Premier League sides, after all. But not Newcastle United. At least, not with Kieran Trippier still performing at the peak of his powers. 

Livramento vs Trippier at Newcastle United

“We will see how it goes. I will just get my head down and work hard in training. Then, I leave it up to the manager,” Livramento tells The Chronicle. 

“I’ve had one game. I played well, but I definitely need to prove a lot more. Tripps has been here a long time and he’s proven he is the best player in that position. I understand that. I just look forward to taking my chance wherever it comes.”

Livramento was outstanding in his one Newcastle start, a bundle of energy and intensity at both ends of the pitch as Eddie Howe’s side knocked Manchester City out of the EFL Cup. But, with five assists in his last three top-flight appearances, Trippier will still take some shifting, Livramento viewing the presence of a highly-experienced England international as a gift rather than a curse. 

‘He’s very experienced’

“I know I just have to be training well consistently and be able to help the team when called upon. For me, it is just a pleasure to play in front of the fans,” adds Livramento, 13 years his rival’s junior.

“I’m still young and I am desperate to learn from Kieran. He is a very experienced player. Even before my full debut, the things he said to me helped, he told me about the players I was coming up against, even when he warming up he was telling me things like ‘get tighter’ to help me switch on.

“I’m looking to support him when he needs a rest or if he’s injured, whatever. I will just look to take my opportunity.”