Pundit shares ‘unbelievable’ Kieran Trippier claim as new role at Newcastle United lined up

Kieran Trippier does not need to be named as the permanent Newcastle United captain despite his importance to the side.

That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the defender’s impact at the club.

Trippier, 31, scored his side’s third as Newcastle drew 3-3 with Man City on Sunday (22 August).

He also came off the bench to provide two assists as the Magpies came from behind to beat Tranmere 2-1 in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night (24 August).

Trippier has worn the armband for Newcastle’s opening three league games though he is not the club’s permanent captain, Kenny insists this is not an issue.

“He has shown the quality he has. For me, he looks fitter than he ever has,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.

“He has been an unbelievable signing for Newcastle and that free-kick, the keeper does take a step to his left but I still don’t think he would have saved it anyway.

“It has gone right in that top bin. Unbelievable free-kick, he is showing the qualities he has, not just going forward but offensively as well.

“He’s the danger at set-pieces. You need plenty of captains, whether you are the on-field one or not. It’s never just one captain on that pitch, for me.

“I think he is just proving what an amazing signing he is and will be. It will be interesting to see how he does there if he stays fit and keeps putting these performances in.”

Trippier was the first signing of the Saudi ownership at Newcastle following October’s takeover.

He has made 11 appearances for the club in all competitions.

In other news, pundit backs Newcastle United to win race to Callum Hudson-Odoi after journalist’s update.