In Focus: Creator-in-chief Trippier continues to soar with Magpies

Kieran Trippier continues to be Newcastle's creator-in-chief.

The veteran right-back may be entering the latter years of his career but he is showing no signs of slowing down this season.

Eddie Howe's men are unbeaten in five Premier League outings and Trippier has been the driving force behind their surge up the table.

As the Magpies prepare to face Wolves this afternoon, we reflect on the 33-year-old's impressive recent displays.

Assist king

Trippier has consistently created opportunities for his team-mates since joining Newcastle from Atletico Madrid in January 2022.

The England international racked up seven league assists in 2022-23, at a rate of 0.19 per 90 minutes.

He is already close to matching that tally this season, with six assists from just nine games — averaging out at an eye-catching 0.7 per 90.

It is undoubtedly an impressive output from Trippier, who also set up Sean Longstaff's goal in the 4-1 Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

Backed up by the numbers

No top-flight player had bettered Trippier's assists tally prior to Matchday 10 — and his creative impact is reflected in the underlying numbers.

Newcastle's No2 topped the chart for chances created (29) after last weekend, while only Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah (nine) had conjured more big opportunities than his seven.

Unsurprisingly, Trippier's high volume of accurate crosses is the primary factor behind his division-leading statistics.

He had attempted (67) and completed (27) the most deliveries in the Premier League ahead of this gameweek.

On the ball

Trippier is certainly an influential figure when Newcastle are in possession.

He has registered 921 touches of the ball during Premier League fixtures this term, which was only matched by Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk after Matchday 9.

And the one-time Manchester City youngster explained his desire to get involved in attacking play, following the Magpies' 4-0 demolition of Crystal Palace last Saturday.

He said: "That is what the manager expects from me and demands from me to keep getting forward to support the team.

"I've tried to show that throughout my career, my attacking threat, and if I assist or not, the most important thing is for the team to win. I'm happy to get another assist."

Leadership qualities

One of Trippier's less tangible attributes is the leadership he brings to Newcastle's dressing room.

Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes the ex-Tottenham star's arrival at St James' Park was a game-changing moment for the Magpies — primarily for his influence behind the scenes.

He said: "I'd put him [Trippier] down as the pivotal point in the Newcastle takeover, when it all turned. He was the signing that triggered the other signings.

"They got Trippier and that was a real statement signing. They brought him in and with his leadership qualities and his abilities in the dressing room, not just his ability on the pitch but as a person, I think he was the first signing that was the catalyst for the other players."

As Howe's outfit look to continue their Premier League hot streak against Wolves, Trippier's presence will once again be crucial — both on and off the field.