Kieran Tripper shows Newcastle what they're missing as brilliant stats emerge from Wolves win
Newcastle United have been reminded of what they lost with Kieran Trippier's exit by Wolves' 3-0 Carabao Cup first round win over Port Vale.
The 35-year-old excelled as the Cesar Peixoto's team got their season off to a winning start, with Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez finding the net.
The former England international announced his intention to leave in April, and saw out the remainder of his contract before joining Wolves.
Newcastle and, in particular, Eddie Howe, attempted to convince him to stay but were ultimately unsuccessful.
Howe has now left St James' Park after losing several other key players, too, including club captain Bruno Guimaraes to Arsenal.
Yet Trippier could well prove to be among the biggest losses Newcastle have suffered this summer, especially as he continues to impress.
Kieran Trippier's impressive stats vs Port Vale
Interestingly, Trippier was deployed as a wide centre-back against Port Vale.
On the ball, the position is a more natural one for the defender, who can overlap the wing back.
But the 35-year-old can tuck in when in a defensive shape, in a clever move that may extend the amount of minutes he can play.
Trippier's usual attacking brilliance was fully on show on Friday, however.
The right-back created three chances on the night, delivering six accurate cross and making 10 passes into the final third.
He did his job defensively, too, making two tackles, one clearance, one interception, three recoveries and winning three duels.
What Trippier said after leaving Newcastle
Trippier was the first signing Newcastle made when they were taken over in 2021. He was the first new faced added to Howe's squad.
What looked like a fairly sensible but not extraordinary signing at the time would go on to be arguably the most important the Magpies made.
Trippier led Newcastle for the entirety of the time he spent at St James' Park, upholding standards and making sure they kept going forward.
He was there as they finally ended the trophy drought at Wembley Stadium last year, and he was there for both qualifications to the Champions League.
“I’m devastated to be leaving, but this is football. Players come and go," he said in May after his final game at St James' Park.
"It is an amazing stadium with amazing supporters, amazing people in the city. I’ve never felt emotional like this when leaving a club; this is the longest I’ve ever been at a club.”