Shay Given has said that Kieran Trippier has been a ‘phenomenal’ signing for Newcastle United, as he told talkSPORT.
The former Newcastle goalkeeper added that it’s ‘amazing’ to see the career Trippier has had, after playing alongside him at Manchester City when the right-back was a youngster.
Before the January transfer opened, many were questioning and wondering what type and level of player the relegation-threatened Magpies could attract.
Well, when Trippier was the first one through their doors last month, it sent out a signal of intent from the north east side.
And during Trippier’s brief time at the club so far, he is already impressing, including his former teammate.
“He has been a phenomenal signing,” said Given. “He just won La Liga last season with Atletico Madrid, then they sign him for a relegation dogfight.
“I was at Man City with Trippier a good few years ago when he was a kid. It’s just amazing to see the career he has gone on and the path he has gone on.
“That free-kick, it was typical of Trippier. He has done it before, for club and country. It was brilliant to see him at his new club.”
Not only is Trippier proving to be a value on the field of play, but it’s the calmness and experience he is bringing off it.
The England international’s past relations with Eddie Howe certainly played a factor in him swapping the champions of Spain, for a team looking to avoid relegation to England’s second-tier.
Newcastle’s back-to-back wins have certainly helped matters and they can now make it three out of three if they see off Aston Villa on Sunday.
It’s certainly going to be a tough test for Howe’s men, especially given the attacking form Villa are in.
They recorded a 3-3 draw against Leeds on Wednesday night and they have scored in every game under Steven Gerrard – baring their 1-0 defeat at Anfield.
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