WyAyeScout: Kieran Trippier's superb start to 2022/23

As the first player bought after 2021's takeover, Kieran Trippier was already guaranteed a place in Newcastle United history. 

Before he had kicked a ball his transfer from Atlético Madrid to Tyneside, from the Champions League to a relegation battle, had become an emblem of renewed hope and ambition at St. James' Park. 

Despite an injury limiting his minutes on the pitch last season, two sweetly-struck free-kicks 'over the wall' helped push the team up the table and further cemented his place in Geordie folklore as the team battled their way into mid-table.

With the 2022 World Cup just weeks away, let's take a look at how Trippier has continued his form into 2022/23 as he attempts to play his way into England manager Gareth Southgate's squad...

Playing behind the in-form Miguel Almirón on the right flank, Trippier will wait for the right opportunity to provide an overlapping run.

Typically, the attacking full-back will hold position near the corner of the 18-yard box, providing the Paraguayan international with a simple passing option and tends to only overlap when Almirón moves infield on his favoured left foot. 

Finding the right balance between attack and defence is difficult for all offensive full backs and evidence of this can be seen in certain elements of Trippier's defensive statistics.

It affects the number of pressures he completes per game, which is lower than average due to the amount of possession Newcastle are enjoying this season as well as the off-the-ball work rate of Almirón.

Almirón's relentless speed and energy help Trippier to use his vast experience and ability to read the game to league-leading effect. 

When we look at Trippier's passing statistics, his partnership with Almirón is also something that stands out for the sheer volume of passes between the two men.

Starting from a defensive position, Trippier looks to move the ball forwards and in behind more, while Almirón retains and recycles possession to keep the ball and sustain attacks.

When we look beyond this link and at Trippier's contribution to Newcastle's attack, there's even more evidence of the significant influence that the England international wields in open play.

This is only a portion of the value that Trippier brings to United's attacking threat. His accuracy from dead-ball situations is helping the Toon create the most expected goal (xG) threat from set pieces in the entire league.

When you factor in Trippier's ability to score from central direct freekicks, it's understandable why he's held in such high regard by Magpies fans, Eddie Howe and England manager Gareth Southgate.

The 'all-round' nature of Trippier's game was something Southgate mentioned recently and his value to United's play is something reflected in one of football analytics' newer concepts: possession value models.

The aim of possession value models is to measure how much scoring value a player adds or takes away through every action - pass, tackle, dribble, etc - on the pitch.

In summation, it's no wonder why Trippier looks all but certain to be heading to next month's World Cup for England. He certainly deserves to be there on the basis of his exceptional performances for United so far this season.

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