Tottenham Player Review: Kieran Trippier

Tottenham’s back-up right-back finds himself in the midst of a dizzying shakeup to his career, one that might continue through the new season.

Though he’s played second fiddle to Kyle Walker for much of his time at Tottenham, Trippier was always a notable presence in the squad.

Beyond affording Walker rest and allowing for rotation in European or cup games, Trippier allowed Spurs to mix up their style if it was called for. Much like Ben Davies’ relationship with Danny Rose on the opposite flank, different opponents fit Trippier better than Walker.

Over the last month, Mauricio Pochettino evidently concluded that Trippier was a better fit for bigger matches. The 26-year-old started in Premier League matches against Arsenal and Manchester United as well as the FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea. Walker, meanwhile, was demoted to taking on the likes of Crystal Palace and West Ham.

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Pochettino’s faith was well founded. Trippier excelled in the wing-back role central to the 3-4-2-1 formation Spurs used for much of the season’s latter half. His natural attacking inclination and willingness to hug the touchline played right into the formation’s strengths.

There were, admittedly, hints that Trippier’s old defensive weaknesses still lingered. Wayne Rooney’s goal in the 2-1 win over Manchester United came in no small part from Trippier failing to track back and properly mark Anthony Martial.

Such defensive lapses kept Trippier from legitimately challenging Walker last season, but were relatively infrequent in the 555 minutes of football he played since the beginning of April. For the first time since his time with Burnley, Trippier looked like a first rate Premier League full-back.

Those minutes were enough to further Trippier’s career in two meaningful ways.

One, it earned him his first ever England national team call up. His inclusion was announced with the rest of the team on Thursday, and he’ll be joined Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Kyle Walker in matches against France and Scotland in June.

Two, it thrust Trippier to the top of the list of potential candidates to take over for Walker next summer should the Tottenham veteran force a move elsewhere.

Next: Tottenham player review: Toby Alderweireld

That latter point is no small thing. Pochettino clearly had one eye to the possibility of Walker leaving when he began giving Trippier starts. If that was an audition then it’s fair to say that Trippier shined.

Still, there will undoubtedly be plenty of speculation about outside targets to replace Walker should he go. Trippier will be a much louder part of that conversation now though, and is the most likely man to be Tottenham’s first choice right-back for the foreseeable future.