‘Outstanding’… Eddie Howe admits Newcastle are a ‘much better’ team when £12m man is at his best

Add as preferred source on Google

Newcastle United need their big players to deliver in the Champions League against AC Milan tonight.

The Magpies need a win to qualify for the next round of the Champions League, as well as a favour from Borussia Dortmund.

The crucial European tie comes after two disappointing Newcastle United performances. Eddie Howe’s side were really poor away from home to Everton and Tottenham, and desperately need to bounce back against AC Milan.

It is going to be an extremely difficult game against a top tier side, as we saw at the San Siro back in September. On that day, the Magpies were able to get a 0-0 draw with some valiant defending.

Kieran Trippier was exceptional that night, and the return fixture comes on the back of a difficult few days for the £12million man.

He made a couple of crucial errors at Goodison Park, and that was followed up with a tough afternoon against his old club Tottenham Hotspur.

But Howe is backing the 33-year-old to return to his best on Wednesday night, and believes that will lead to a much better performance from his team as a whole.

Eddie Howe says ‘outstanding’ Kieran Trippier makes Newcastle better

Ahead of the game against AC Milan, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked about Trippier needing to bounce back after his recent struggles in a Toon shirt.

“He’s been outstanding for such a consistent time, in and out of possession,” he said.

“When he plays well, our team tends to play much, much better. He is a key part of what we do in every way.

“Of course I back him. He’s an outstanding individual.”

Trippier can get back to his best against AC Milan

While he will be suspended for Saturday’s game against Fulham, Trippier is available tonight. He will start against AC Milan, as he prepares to come face to face with Rafael Leao.

It was an intriguing battle between the pair at the San Siro, and one that Trippier came out on top of.

He will need to be just as resolute defensively at St James’ Park, as Newcastle look to record a famous victory on what could be an extremely special night for the club.

Trippier has been part of a fair few of them already, despite only being a Toon player for two years.

He has had a transformative impact since arriving at St James’ Park, and Newcastle are certainly a better team when he is at his best. Hopefully we witness that tonight in the Champions League.