“Against Germany we selected the squad because of the way we went with the team, so we needed [Ben] Chilwell on the bench and we had Kieran who, at the moment, I feel his all round game is ahead (of Trent).”
Gareth Southgate has declared that Kieran Trippier is currently a better player, in terms of his “all around game”, than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
This explains why the Liverpool right-back hasn’t had a look in over the international break, but has got fans talking up and down the country, as many believe a ‘generational talent’ like Alexander-Arnold is comfortably clear of the Newcastle United man.
Southgate clearly thinks otherwise, yet his comments have received heavy criticism from Liverpool fans. Personally, I’d say Trent wins on creativity and attacking threat, but Trippier is a much better defender, more versatile and a real leader.
Here’s how supporters from Merseyside and Tyneside have reacted to Southgate’s claims:
Liverpool fans:
Embarrassing from Southgate. Trippier scores a few free-kicks in an average Newcastle team and now he’s better than Trent? Give over, Gareth!
Does Trippier get in the Liverpool team? Nope.. Trent everyday of the week. Add flair to a flat lineup!
Trent is a generational talent. Trippier is just a solid right-back who has scored the odd free-kick. There’s no comparison!
If I’m Trent Alexander Arnold and Southgate is telling me Kieran Trippier is better than me I’m retiring from international football immediately. They don’t deserve his talents.
Manager bias, nothing else justifies these statements. Southgate loves Trippier and has something against Trent.
I hope TAA doesn’t get a call-up. England don’t deserve such a huge talent if Southgate is going to compare Kieran Trippier to him!
Trent’s defending just isn’t as bad as the general consensus has it. And the below opinion from Southgate is crazy. Trippier a better fit for his limited style? Probably. Trippier better in his preferred formation? Maybe. Trippier a better all-round game? Not a chance.
As if Southgate has just outed Trent – one of the greatest players this country has ever seen – all to defend his beloved Kieran Trippier. One has won countless trophies at 23, the other has barely won a thing and plays for Newcastle…
Newcastle fans:
This sounds biased, but if we’re talking “all round game” Trippier wins. TAA has the edge with his passing range, but Trippier is also a dead ball specialist who can ACTUALLY defend. Trent is shocking defensively.
As a Newcastle fan…Trippier has been quality for us but TAA is superb. Both have their qualities. Against teams where we can afford to be a bit more open, I’d play TAA. Tripps would get the nod if we’re playing more conservative. It’s a tactical choice for me.
I’m with Southgate on this. The extra attacking threat TAA brings doesn’t mitigate his poor defending. It’s not as though Trippier offers no attacking threat himself.
Obviously I love Trippier, but Southgate is a strange man. Why call out players like TAA, but protect the likes of Maguire who has been painfully bad for two years?
Is Trent better from a technical perspective? Is he better offensively? Is he one of the best crossers there is? Yes. Can Trent defend? No. And for a defender that’s a really key skill to have. Kieran Trippier is very good defensively.
Trippier has been an elite level full back for nearly a decade. La Liga winner and an integral part of Spurs, Newcastle and England teams that all massively improved with him in. Plays left, right, in a 4 or a 5. TAA is a top player too, but put some respect on Trippier’s name!
I can see why Southgate prefers Trippier based on his conservative style of play, as he’s a leader, a reliable defender and also creative from open play and set pieces, but to leave TAA out of his plans is pretty baffling given he’s probably our most creative player when used correctly. I love Trippier and understand why he prefers him, but to throw Trent under the bus is poor…
This from a manager that favours Maguire over a player like Dan Burn! Also, he didn’t play either Trippier or TAA! So, Southgate talking verbal diarrhoea once again. Both Trips and TAA are excellent players with slightly different aspects to their game. Any manager who says things like this openly about the players he manages is no manager in my eyes. You keep comments like this private with the players.
Gilly Toon(Quote)