Darren Bent has claimed that Kieran Trippier’s motives were ‘questioned’ prior to his transfer to Newcastle United from Atletico Madrid during the January transfer window.
The former striker praised Eddie Howe for improving and signing players with a ‘good mentality’, as he told Premier League Productions (23/10/22 at 6:35 pm).
Trippier was one of the first standout transfer captures for the Magpies when he joined from Atletico Madrid for £12 million (Sky Sports).
An England international, past experience in the Premier League, including at Tottenham and Burnley, also alongside Howe himself, this was the new Saudi-led team sticking their chest out and making a statement.
At the time, it was easy, for those on the outside, to claim that the 32-year-old was only making that move for a big and final pay cheque.
That’s what Bent alluded to that when he spoke about Trippier’s ‘motives being questioned’ when he first signed, but he now thinks all of that has been put to bed.
“They have signed, not just good players, but players with a good mentality and that always helps when you integrate them into the squad,” said Bent.
“Yes, he spent a lot of money, but when you look at the improvement that squad has made, the likes of Kieran Trippier. People questioned his motives. He’s now their captain and leader.
“Dan Burn, the left-back from Brighton. Also, Sven Botman and Bruno Guimaraes, who is icing on the cake. He signs such good players with such good mentalities that they are all together.”
TRIPPIER STILL IMPROVING
Heading into his mid-30s, it could have been easily argued that this is where you perhaps take a few steps back in your career.
But it has been far from it for Trippier who has been one of Newcastle’s best players since joining, as well as improving his game under Howe.
That’s a credit to the player, but also the coaching staff, for being able to get so much from the fullback and not being satisfied to stop there.
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