Kieran Trippier now has five assists in the Premier League this season after the victory against Watford on Monday night.
The right-back has nine in all competitions this season, and his contributions in the final third of the pitch have clearly been very important for the team.
On Twitter, it was pointed out that the 27-year-old has more assists than some highly regarded playmakers:
#thfc defender Kieran Trippier (5) now has more @PremierLeague assists this season than Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard and Juan Mata.
— Hotspur Related (@HotspurRelated) April 30, 2018
Fans had a mixed reaction to the stat:
He's been rotated with Aurier all season too ????
— Akhil (@aksakaria) April 30, 2018
I hope this isn't a case to not upgrade the position. On both sides
— Roy (@SidelineChatter) May 1, 2018
lolwhat
— Bunny (@SPHRTBunny) April 30, 2018
Looking for the Kieran Trippier haters now pic.twitter.com/EEZFK3w0tl
— Jõsh (@Foyth) April 30, 2018
I love watching Trippier play. Why does Aurier get so much game time when Trippier gives them so much more?
— Savvy (@FPLSavvy) April 30, 2018
Trippier maybe the best crosser of the ball in the prem. ? I think so anyway ????
— alan judge (@10judgey) April 30, 2018
Fans still Trippier bashing is just unbelievable, he’s been our best player tonight.
— Gary Chapman (@Gazby77) April 30, 2018
Trippier has to be the best crosser of the ball in the PL.
— S.C ???? (@ScottyCollins9) April 30, 2018
Verdict:
Some fans have been pushing for Mauricio Pochettino to look for an upgrade on Kieran in the summer, with Serge Aurier having also not made the impact people had expected on the right-hand side.
However, going on Poch’s recent remarks about the player this week, that does seem to be unlikely. He told the Evening Standard:
“For me, Kieran is one of the best English players in the Premier League and he deserves a lot of credit. Assists, playing passes, crosses he is one of the best.”
Our no.2 has certainly made a very good impression on the manager since he took over first-team duties from Kyle Walker at the start of the season. I would expect him to be a regular next campaign as well.