‘Fantastic’: Alan Shearer raves about £12m Newcastle player who is so ‘calm under pressure’

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Alan Shearer has lavished praise on Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier and believes he has been a game-changer for the Magpies.

Trippier once again helped himself to an assist yesterday as Newcastle won 4-1 at Southampton. Since signing from Atletico Madrid, the former Spurs man has been outstanding. He is one of Eddie Howe’s trusted lieutenants.

And with the World Cup around the corner, former Newcastle great Shearer couldn’t say enough about just how good Trippier has been.

“At the minute, he’s England’s most in-form defender. For me, it’s just about where he plays for England in that first game in two weeks’ time. Right-back, wing-back, or whether it’s left-back.

“If you want someone who’s a very good defender, he’s it. If you want someone who’s going to create chances by putting very good balls into the box, he’s also it. And he’s a great leader. Weight of passes into the front players, as a forward you want it pinged up to you. It’s measured and it’s got quality most of the time,” Shearer said on MOTD 2.

“He’s been a real game-changer for Newcastle with his attitude and his ability. Not only going forward, but defensive situations. He really has been fantastic. Calm under pressure, doesn’t panic at all, and the relationship he has with Almiron, it’s no surprise Almiron is playing the best football of his career.”

TBR’s View: Trippier is the main man for England and Newcastle

Shearer is bang on here with this assessment of Trippier. If England don’t play him, then it will be one of the most baffling decisions we’ll see all winter.

Trippier has been nothing short of sensational for Newcastle. It’s been an absolute masterstroke signing from the club and Eddie Howe will love having him.

With Newcastle now third, Trippier will be banging the drum about maintaining standards. After all, the club might not have many better opportunities to finish in the top four than this.