Newcastle United have some incredible passers of a ball.
Sandro Tonali is a metronome in the middle of the park for Newcastle United, boasting a ludicrous range of passing.
At centre-back, Fabian Schar is capable of splitting a defence wide open with just one ball.
Out wide, Jacob Murphy has re-emphasised just how good his delivery is. Murphy is having an amazing season, providing 14 assists in all competitions.
But when it comes to Kieran Trippier, he is a player that is capable of any kind of pass.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Kieran Trippier is Sean Dyche’s ‘favourite’
That is the view of Sean Dyche, who worked alongside Trippier at Burnley.
Dyche is currently out of work after leaving Everton in January, and has appeared on the latest episode of the Stick To Football podcast on the Overlap YouTube channel.
During the podcast, Dyche discussed how modern defenders are not able to lift a pass around the opposition’s back four.
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That prompted a reply from Roy Keane.
He said: “You know who was brilliant who did it for you at Burnley? Trippier was brilliant. Trippier was the best at it.”
Dyche replied: “Brilliant. I said in an interview recently – he’s my favourite Trips – and the reason is this.
“I said back in the day, we had Danny Ings up front and Kieran Trippier at right-back. You know this modernism and my team doesn’t play the right way. I would be doing him a disservice as a footballer if I said ‘Tripps, you’re only allowed to give it 10 yards’, because he can pass that ball anywhere on a football pitch.
“Kieran Trippier in any style, whipper, dipper, smash, grab, lift it – anything. I’d be killing his career.”
Sean Dyche ‘sorted’ Kieran Trippier’s career out
Dyche always speaks incredibly highly of Trippier, and the feeling is mutual.
In fact, Trippier credits Dyche with sorting out his career at a young age.
The right-back was brought to Burnley from Manchester City by current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe, before working with Dyche at Turf Moor.
During an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily in 2020, Trippier hailed the impact of Dyche on his career.
“Sean Dyche is a brilliant manager,” he said.
“From the first day he walked in he sorted my career out basically.
“From when I was young, stupid and going out, he just sat me down and said ‘no more’.
“Unbelievable manager and I loved playing for him and, who knows, one day I might get the opportunity to play for him again.”
Trippier nearly did get that chance to work with Dyche again.
It was reported in the summer of 2024 that Everton wanted to sign Trippier.
However, Newcastle United opted against letting the £12million player leave the club.
That proved to be the correct decision, as Trippier has played a key role at St James’ Park during the 2024/25 campaign.
While the start of the season was tough for Trippier, he has been absolutely pivotal since Lewis Hall’s injury.
Trippier has been back to his best, playing an important role in Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup and ending their trophy drought.
He has a contract at St James’ Park until 2026, with Newcastle hoping Trippier does not leave this summer.