Versatility is a quality that Eddie Howe admires at Newcastle United, and the same goes for England manager Gareth Southgate.
There are so many players at Newcastle United who can fulfil multiple roles, and that has been a massive boost during a season which has been disrupted by injury.
Dan Burn is currently playing at centre-back despite spending most of the campaign on the left of defence, while we have seen Tino Livramento operate on both flanks and excel.
Anthony Gordon is probably Newcastle’s biggest example of versatility, playing on the left and the right wing, as well as through the middle. That versatility, combined with his durability, is a key reason why he has been one of the Magpies’ best players this season.
Newcastle United have a few England regulars
His performances in black and white resulted in him making his England debut, at a time when he was the only Toon player in the Three Lions squad.
That is despite Newcastle United having a bit more of a presence in Gareth Southgate’s squad as of late. The likes of Kieran Trippier, Nick Pope and Callum Wilson have been England regulars.
And Southgate has been speaking very fondly of the former, as the 33-year-old continues his recovery. Trippier is currently out of action with a groin injury, but is due to be back for Newcastle’s game against Brighton.
Gareth Southgate speaks out on why he loves Kieran Trippier
Then Trippier will have three games to prove his fitness, as he aims to be included in Southgate’s England squad for the Euros.
And given how highly Southgate has spoke of Trippier in an interview with NUFC TV, it feels like fitness is the only thing that could stop the £12million man being on the plane to Germany.
“He [Trippier] is an important part of our squad,” Southgate said.
“He is a very experienced player at international level. You know as well as we do the leadership qualities that he has, the impact that he has on the team and on the squad.
“He fulfils a very similar role for us and, of course, that adaptability that he can play on the right or the left is important to us as well.”
Newcastle rarely rely on Trippier’s versatility
Southgate loves Trippier for the same reasons that Eddie Howe loves him. He is a massively influential member of the squad, having had a seismic impact since his arrival from Atletico Madrid in January 2022. He helped changed the culture, and is a big reason why Newcastle United are where they are right now.
Trippier’s adaptability has not been used as much at St James’ Park as at international level. While he often plays at left-back for England, that is a position he rarely occupies in black and white.
It did happen on a couple of occasions earlier this season with Livramento was coming into the side, but it was decided that the youngster was better suited to playing on the left.
But it is a different story at international level, where a lot of Trippier’s minutes come at left-back. He is solid there, and will likely feature in that position if he is selected to go to the Euros.
It sounds like he will be, as Southgate is a massive fan.
The post 'Important': Gareth Southgate now admits he loves how versatile £12m Newcastle United player is appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.
