Match of the Day pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards have heaped praise upon Newcastle United right-back Kieran Trippier following his outstanding all-round display against Southampton.
The Magpies continued their superb season on Sunday afternoon at St Mary's with a 4-1 win over the Saints on the south coast. Once again, Trippier was one of Newcastle's standout performers, picking up a sublime assist for Joe Willock's second half goal.
The right-back managed to thread an incredible pass behind Southampton's defence for Willock to run on to, with the midfielder then finishing comfortably past Saints keeper Gavin Bazunu to make it 3-0 to Newcastle. Right now, Trippier ranks towards the top of Premier League in a host of creative statistical categories. The 32-year-old has produced the most successful crosses (50), the second most passes into the final third (148), the second most chances created from set-pieces (20) and the third most chances created (32).
READ MORE: Joe Willock says Southampton win underlines Newcastle United's journey under Eddie Howe
With England's World Cup campaign set to begin in two weeks, Trippier should be a lock to make Gareth Southgate's squad for Qatar. The Magpies defender is enjoying a rich vein of form, and is currently England's best inform defender. And speaking on Match of the Day 2, pundits Shearer and Richards were effuse in their praise of Trippier, who played a key part in Newcastle's dominant 4-1 win over Southampton.
"At the minute, he's England's most in-form defender and for me, it's just about where he plays in that first game for England at the World Cup in two weeks time," said Ex-Newcastle forward Shearer. "Whether it's at right back, right wing-back or whether it's left-back. Because if you want someone who's a really good defender, he's it. If you want someone who's going to create chances by putting very good balls into the box, he's also it. And he's a great leader.
"He's been a real game changer for Newcastle with his attitude and ability, not only in just going forward but in defensive situations also. He really has been fantastic. He's calm under pressure, doesn't panic and the relationship he has with [Miguel] Almiron down the right hand side - it's not coincidence that Almiron is playing his best football and it's because of that understanding.
"When he gets the ball, he's off. His all around game has been fantastic, it really has been amazing, and all of that today in front of the watching England manager. With the problems that England have got defensively, for me, he has to start, it's just a matter of where he starts."
Richards added: "Alan's hit the nail on the head. He can do both. He's comfortable in forward positions, he reads the game really well. He's improved. I came through the academy with Trippier, and there was always a part of his game where defensively he used to get caught out of position because he used to go forward so much.
"But Alan's shown there, his influence within this team, just the character that he has, the balls he puts into the box and the whole package that he delivers, I have to agree with Alan. Right now, he is performing at the level of one of the best."
READ NEXT
- Southampton 1-4 Newcastle United: Magpies run riot on the South Coast with statement victory
- Eddie Howe's frightening Premier League confession after Newcastle United's 4-1 win at Southampton
- Almiron runs show, Bruno makes it tick: Newcastle United player ratings in 4-1 win at Southampton
- Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe shares what 'surprised' him on first day of Toon job
- Newcastle's scary warning to Premier League, Sven Botman's fury and ruthless Bruno - 5 things
