Newcastle United have been linked with Kieran Trippier, and Gary Neville’s previous comments on the Atletico Madrid defender will surely encourage the St. James’ Park faithful.
Kieran Trippier to Newcastle rumour
Guillem Balague has said on BBC Radio 5 Live that Newcastle are “really interested” in signing the former Tottenham Hotspur defender.
The BBC Sport journalist has claimed that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) “have started negotiations” with the right-back’s representatives.
You can read the full report here.
Gary Neville’s previous comments
Neville played as a right-back for Manchester United and England.
The Englishman is now a pundit for Sky Sports.
And he is very good at that and is well-respected as a pundit.
So, what Neville thinks about Trippier will surely encourage the Newcastle fans.
After all, Neville himself was a right-back and worked with Trippier when he was a coach for England.
Neville told The Times about Trippier in July 2018: “I couldn’t play wing back. I played it on a few occasions, most notoriously in the game away to Croatia in 2006, which we lost.
“I could play on the right of a back three, no problem, but I just didn’t have the skill set to be a right wing back. Kieran Trippier has.
“The wing-back system suits him. He’s tenacious, he’s got energy, he puts the ball into the box with great quality.
“It sounds crazy, but it’s unusual now to get a full back who can cross the ball like that. He’s exceptionally good at it.”
The Sky Sports pundit added: “With Kieran Trippier, I get the feeling he has always had the high energy and always been able to cross a ball. I’ve no doubt he would tell you the more intimate story of how he has worked at it, but it does seem natural to him.”
Neville continued: “He can do different types of crosses in different situations. He can put quick crosses in, he can float them in, he can drive them in, he can take corners and free kicks.”
Kieran Trippier would make Newcastle better
Trippier is 31 and has a fair few years at the top level left in him.
The former Tottenham right-back is hugely experienced, having played in the Premier League and the Champions League.
The defender has also won the La Liga title with Atletico.
However, the big question for Newcastle is whether they would be able to convince the right-back to move to St. James’ Park.
Yes, PIF are very rich, but Newcastle are in real danger of getting relegated from the Premier League.
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