Kieran Trippier's arrival at Newcastle United acted as the catalyst for the Magpies' mid-season renaissance last year. The England international helped propel Eddie Howe's side towards the top-half, finishing just seven points adrift of the European places.
The FA Cup defeat to Cambridge United was somewhat of a baptism of fire for the former Tottenham and Atletico Madrid right-back, but there were to poignant moments in the month of February that would help kick start Newcastle's survival bid. The 31-year-old scored a free-kick against Everton to wrap up all three points against the struggling Toffees, before grabbing the only goal of the game from a direct free-kick against Aston Villa five days later.
The two results meant Newcastle would make it three wins on the bounce for the first time last season, putting some daylight between themselves and the bottom three. Not since the days of Lauren Robert or Yohan Cabaye have the Magpies posed such a threat from set-pieces.
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But, with James Maddison being linked with a move to St. James' Park this summer, Trippier may face a battle to hold onto his set-piece crown. The England right-back has scored seven free-kicks throughout his domestic career, according to transfermarkt, but has also shone on the international stage with his country.
His goal in the semi-finals of the World Cup against Croatia is still one of the best England strikes in recent history. Maddison however, has not had the exposure for his country that Trippier has had, with just one call-up to Gareth Southgate's squad, so it makes sense to remove any international goals from the comparison.
Trippier's seven goals from direct free-kicks stretch all the way back to his time with Barnsley in the 2010/11 campaign, where he scored for the Tykes against Leeds United and Doncaster Rovers. His two goals from set-plays last year are still at the forefront of Newcastle supporters' minds.
Maddison himself boasts similar statistics for last season, scoring twice with goals from direct free-kicks against Brentford in the Premier League and Randers FC in the Europa Conference League. However, the 25-year-old has a far superior goal tally so far in his career and is six years younger than Trippier.
Maddison has scored 13 free-kicks in his career, with the first of those coming for Coventry City against Oldham Athletic back in the 2014/15 season. He would add another to his Sky Blues tally the following season, scoring from a direct free-kick against Chesterfield in the 2015/16 season.
Maddison has one of his strengths as direct free-kicks according to WhoScored, while Trippier does not. One thing's for sure, if the Magpies do complete a transfer for the Foxes playmaker, they'll have two of the best set-piece takers in the Premier League.
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