Former Newcastle United winger Alan Thompson has hailed Kieran Trippier as the most important player on Tyneside. The 32-year-old was the first player to take the plunge following the £300milion Saudi-backed takeover.
His arrival from Atletico Madrid - despite the Magpies sitting second bottom of the Premier League - triggered a domino effect as other signings soon followed suit. To say his arrival has been a success would be an understatement.
Match-winning displays and spectacular free-kicks have been the norm since Trippier ditched Spain for the North East in January. It is a testament to the England international’s impact that, after just 19 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, supporters are already touting him as the club’s best-ever right-back.
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Ex-Toon academy product Thompson - who broke through the youth ranks under Kevin Keegan - believes stand-in skipper Trippier yields the most authority within the squad. The 48-year-old also claimed a top-four finish is possible under Eddie Howe.
Thompson told Grosvenor Casinos : “I don't think the player I'm going to mention has gone under the radar because he's been massively appreciated by everyone at the club but I think it's Kieran Trippier (most important player). Off the pitch, he's got a huge influence as well as on it.
“He sets examples and has played for some great clubs in the past. I think Kieran really sets the tone when it comes to professionalism and quality. Newcastle finishing in the top four is very realistic.
“People expected Leicester to fade away after they won the Premier League, so why can't Newcastle stay in and around the top four or even the top six? They have a lot of players that have been hitting top form. Everything is on the up and long may that continue.”
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