Alan Shearer has included Kieran Trippier in his Premier League Team of the Week after Newcastle United’s 1-0 win over Chelsea – claiming the England World Cup star is the best right-back in the Premier League at this moment.
Trippier, 32, captained his side to another stunning win which sees Newcastle sit in third place in the Premier League table. A remarkable achievement, going into the World Cup. They have gone 10 games unbeaten in the league.
Indeed, Newcastle have only lost one of their 15 Premier League games so far – drawing six and winning eight. Joe Willock’s gorgeous goal was enough to secure a fifth consecutive league win. Six, after a win in the Cup over Palace.
Trippier is one of a number of new signings that have been crucial to that. Alongside Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at the back, Newcastle have the joint-best defence in the League – conceding only 11 goals in 15 games.
Shearer included Trippier – who is expected to start for England against Iran in a week’s time at the World Cup – in his TOTW. He said: “Showed again why he is the best full-back in the league this season,” with his display against Chelsea.
Shearer: Trippier is the best right-back in the Premier League right now
So, is he? Well, other candidates will obviously include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joao Cancelo, Reece James, Diego Dalot and Ben White. But Alexander-Arnold’s defending continues to conjure up question marks around his overall game.
Cancelo has been playing at left-back and while he has been superb, he has not been consistently on the right. James is injured. Dalot has been good, but not great. White is probably the other player who can strongly argue with Shearer.
But again, he is a centre-back playing on the right and there are times where he does look slightly uncomfortable. Trippier is probably the best in the Premier League in terms of current form. A good sign for England, and Newcastle.
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