Speaking on the BBC Match of the Day Top 10 Podcast, Micah Richards has been chatting about England’s right-back situation and he’s made a claim about Kieran Trippier.
The Newcastle full-back is still one of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted players, but according to Richards, he may not be able to call upon Trippier for much longer.
Indeed, at the age of 31, Richards has claimed that Trippier is coming towards the end of his career, stating that he can’t play for much longer.
What’s been said?
Richards was speaking about Trent Alexander-Arnold’s international future when he touched on Trippier’s situation.
“I think he’ll be fine, don’t forget that Kyle Walker is coming towards the end of his career, so he won’t always be around, Kieran Trippier he’s also coming to his end as well. What? They’re both two years younger than me, so they’re about 31, they can’t be playing for much longer,” Richards said.
“Sooner rather than later, it’ll be Reece James in a three in a back and then Trent will play at wing-back, it’s going to happen, it’s got to happen.”
Could surprise him
Richards says that, at 31, Trippier may not be playing for much longer, but we tend to disagree.
Unlike someone like Kyle Walker, Trippier isn’t overly-reliant on his pace, so he shouldn’t lose too much of what makes him brilliant as he ages.
Amanda Staveley also sees Trippier having a long-term future at St James’ Park, claiming that the full-back could be the club’s next Alan Shearer, and he won’t achieve that status if he hangs up his boots in the not so distant future.
Trippier could easily have another five or six years in him.
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