In Focus: Why Trippier is having the Tyne of his life in North East

Kieran Trippier is taking Tyneside by storm.

The 32-year-old put in a captain’s performance for Newcastle against Bournemouth, delivering a host of dangerous crosses and making a crucial clearance off the line.

Brought in from Atletico Madrid in January last year, he has been vital to his side’s success in recent months — which has them dreaming of a return to the Champions League.

As the Magpies prepare to welcome Liverpool to St James’ Park this evening, we take a look at why Trippier is hitting top gear this term.

Pick of the bunch against Cherries

Trippier helped Newcastle earn a battling point against relegation-threatened Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.

In possession, he completed 23 passes into the attacking third, attempted 16 crosses — the most of any player on the pitch — and created an impressive three chances for his team-mates.

Defensively he won three aerial duels, two tackles and made a game-saving clearance off the line, denying Dominic Solanke’s backheeled effort.

Despite the poor collective display, Newcastle’s No2 saved his side from further misery and continued to illustrate his importance to Eddie Howe’s outfit.

Shearer’s praise

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer spoke of the Magpies’ disappointment on Saturday as a sign of their progress in 2022-23, reserving special praise for Trippier’s defensive efforts.

He said: “They’d [Newcastle] have snapped your hands off for a point a year ago, but it shows how far they have come that they are disappointed with a point because of the high standards they have set.

“There were so many players off-form, and most of the team weren’t at it. Dan Burn had a day to forget, [Hamed] Traore catches him on the ball and he’s got Kieran Trippier to thank, really good defending because he knows his team is in trouble.

“[The ball] falls to Solanke, flicks it and what a clearance that is. They’ll have better days, but they’re undefeated again, that’s the positive.

“Where they are now from where they were, it’s a big improvement.”

Creative class

Full-backs have become increasingly integral to how teams attack and Trippier has been one of the best in England’s top flight this season.

The right-sided defender is Newcastle’s creator-in-chief with four league assists. He enjoys receiving the ball out wide and high up the pitch, before using his vision to pick out runners in the opposition box.

He can then provide a range of deliveries to reach his team-mates — helped by an imposing array of targets to aim for.

As a result, he has created an impressive team-high 65 chances and 17 big opportunities.

Trippier is also a huge threat from dead-ball situations and has created a remarkable nine big chances from set-pieces this term.

Defensive dominance

Newcastle have been remarkably resilient at the back this season.

They have conceded the fewest number of goals in the Premier League (13), in part due to Trippier’s contributions.

In possession, Dan Burn, Sven Botman and Fabian Schar operate as a back three, handing Trippier the creative licence to get forward in the attacking third.

Still, the Bury native has recorded an immense 47 tackles, 24 headed clearances, 26 interceptions and regained possession 74 times in the defensive third.

His efforts set the tone for his team-mates — demonstrating leadership qualities which will be crucial in the second half of the season.

Leading into Liverpool

Liverpool are coming off the back of a 2-0 win over Everton in the Merseyside derby.

The Reds will be keen to build on their first league victory in 2023, so Newcastle will need their captain to bring a degree of intensity as they bid to make their European dream a reality.

Without midfield metronome Bruno Guimaraes following his Carabao Cup semi-final red card, Trippier is key to unlocking the visitors’ backline.

But the Magpies have to keep an eye on the numerous attacking threats that Jurgen Klopp can call upon, to push their defence to the limits.