Ross Wilson should be listening to Eddie Howe’s glowing appraisal of Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier.
Sporting director Wilson will decide Trippier’s future at Newcastle United, with the veteran defender out of contract at the end of the season.
Howe wants to keep Trippier at Newcastle, with the 35-year-old still an important figure on Tyneside.
While Trippier will likely revert to a back-up role at Newcastle once Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall are fully fit again, his importance to the cause cannot be understated.
Howe has been speaking about the Newcastle star and Wilson should be all ears.
Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson watches training.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe praises Newcastle United star Kieran Trippier
The Newcastle United manager was speaking ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Brentford.
With Livramento still injured, Trippier will once again be called upon to help Howe’s side navigate through a very difficult away game.
Asked about Trippier’s impact at the club, Howe said (via The Northern Echo): “He’s a really talented player. Some of his passing, his range of pass, his composure on the ball are absolutely exceptional. He is one of the best crossers off a football I have ever seen and he’s defended very well too.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
“He gives us added dimensions with his leadership as well, so he’s an important player. We obviously need to look after him, we need to keep him fit and fresh and able to do what he does.”
Not only is Trippier a fine player on the pitch, his impact off of it is hugely important at the club.
Why Ross Wilson should be listening to Eddie Howe speak about Kieran Trippier
Wilson has a big decision to make on Trippier. On the football side of it, keeping the former England defender is a no-brainer.
Still, the finances involved can’t be ignored. Trippier is one of Newcastle’s best-paid players, so keeping him would come at a cost.
Replacing a player of that quality, however, would also no doubt cost a pretty penny.
Wilson should be taking what Howe says very seriously here. The two are thought to have a good relationship and while tough decisions will need to be made, Wilson would be wise to keep Howe happy.
Quite how Newcastle replace Trippier, even in his advancing years, with a player anywhere near as good without breaking the bank is up for debate.
Trippier is one of the greatest defenders in Newcastle United history and continues to prove himself capable of making an impact at an elite level.
He may be an expensive back-up player going forward but the benefits he brings surely make that worth it.