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Tottenham: Kieran Trippier’s journey from second fiddle to indispensable

By Uzair Madhani

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Syam Ben Youssef of Tunisia challenges Kieran Trippier of England during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 18: Syam Ben Youssef of Tunisia challenges Kieran Trippier of England during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between Tunisia and England at Volgograd Arena on June 18, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /
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In the summer of 2017, everything changed. Trippier made his full debut for England in June that year. Walker decided to leave Spurs, joining up with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City for what would prove to be a record-breaking season. This opened up the right-back slot for Spurs.

It was finally a chance for Trippier to prove himself, and he took the opportunity with both hands. He was undroppable, playing an impressive role in Spurs’ Champions League campaign, as well as their Premier League season, helping them secure the third spot in the table.

Southgate’s appointment also led to an evolution in the England setup. Gone were old stalwarts of the national side like Wayne Rooney. The new manager was looking to build his side around new pillars and noted that the Premier League had embraced a new trend of three-at-the-back.

In John Stones, he had an excellent ball-playing centre-back, but he needed two quick, strong players to flank him. Trippier’s excellence at club level made it easy for Southgate to shift Walker into the centre-back position. It ensured that he could fill the spot without losing attacking thrust down the right-hand side.

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The rewards from this tactical adjustment are beginning to show. Trippier’s attacking is now on display for the whole world to see. It is a far cry from Euro 2016, when Harry Kane was despondently lumping in corners. Now he’s getting on the end of fast, venomous deliveries from Trippier.

The right-back who spent a large part of his early career as an understudy is finally in the limelight. It is no more than what he deserves, and when England line-up against Panama on Saturday, he will be looking to seize his opportunity all over again.

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