Eddie Howe has been singing the praises of Kieran Trippier following our 2-1 win at Wolves on Sunday, explaining why he remains “such an important” player despite a tough few months.
The 33-year-old has lost his starting spot at right-back to Tino Livramento so far this season, has seen Bruno Guimaraes take the captains armband and was linked with a late move away following interest from Everton, the Saudi Pro League and several Turkish Super Lig sides.
Howe believes Trippier now “looks fitter” and reveals he’s also in a “good place” mentally, praising his positive impact on the team after playing a quietly important role in comebacks against Bournemouth and Wolves in our two away games so far this season.
“You can’t underestimate what Kieran gives you,” Howe said. “A lot has been said about the substitutes at half-time (against Wolves), and they all had a positive impact on the game, but when Kieran came on, you could just feel his quality, whether that was his quality on the ball or his set-play delivery.
“Whatever aspect of his game transfers to the team, it makes a positive difference. We felt stronger when he came onto the field, certainly when we had the ball.
“I’m delighted with him. He looks fitter, and mentally, I think he’s in a good place. He’s got such an important part to play for us this season.”
Trippier didn’t set up a goal or produce a particular moment that won us the game at Wolves or rescued that point at Bournemouth, but in both cameos he’s helped bring an air of calm to the side, with his leadership and quality still so valuable.
Howe then touched on the strength of our bench and our improved depth with almost everyone fit, hoping we can keep it that way to avoid anything like last season’s injury crisis:
“There is depth, but that’s with everyone fit,” Howe said. “One or two injuries, and suddenly we’re back to where we were last year where we don’t have the ability to make changes that…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/09/18/howe-issues-kieran-trippier-update-after-transfer-rumours-and-tricky-summer/
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-09-18 11:52:40
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