Kieran Trippier says there “nowhere” he’d rather be than Newcastle United.
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The England international extended his contract at St James’ Park on Saturday, penning a new deal running through until the summer of 2025.
Newcastle’s first signing of the post-Mike Ashley era, Trippier has had a profound impact at the club. Manager Eddie Howe has constantly spoken of his leadership and, even at 32, the former Tottenham full-back remains one of the best in his position across the Premier League.
At the time, Trippier was criticised for moving to Newcastle. Previously playing Champions League football having helped Atletico Madrid to a La Liga title, his decision to join a team fighting relegation could have easily been seen as one taken simply for the money.
Still, nothing about his time at the club so far would suggest that’s anything like the case. A true on-field leader, there is a genuine possibility Trippier could lift the Carabao Cup next month, becoming the first Newcastle captain (albeit on-field, not the club skipper) to win silverware since Bob Moncur.
What has Trippier said about his new contract?
As quoted by the club’s official website, Trippier said: “I’m absolutely delighted that I’ve extended my contract here. I’ve got a lot of thank yous to make to the manager, owners, fans and my teammates.
“When I first arrived here, they made me feel so welcome and I want to help the club achieve great things. It’s a positive moment for us players in the club and there’s nowhere I’d rather be.”
How does Trippier compare to other Premier League full-backs?
According to WhoScored data, no full-back in the Premier League can match Trippier for key passes per game (3). In fact, only Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne beats him on that front (3.3), while just Andy Robertson and Ivan Perisic outdo him as full-backs with more assists (5 to 4).
In fact, FBREF data notes that Trippier’s expected assists stand at 6.3 for the campaign – bettered by only De Bruyne and Bruno Fernandes – so perhaps some better finishing would have taken the England star above Robertson and Perisic in the charts.
From a defensive point of view, meanwhile, only six players in the division have made more many ball recoveries as Trippier (139), while he also ranks within the top 20 for tackles (44) and interceptions (26).
