Eddie Howe says that Kieran Trippier sums up the passion he wants to see from his Newcastle United team. The Toon skipper was a bargain £12million fee from Atletico Madrid back in January and has not let United down with a string of solid displays either side of a foot injury last winter.
Howe knew Trippier back in his Burnley days when he was boss at Turf Moor. Howe said: "As a player, I don't think his game has changed that much. He has gained more experience and he has picked up a lot of useful tools from the various managers he has worked under.
"As a personality, he has changed greatly. "He's got kids now and he's a dad. Whenever you have that life-changing moment your personality does change. It certainly changed mine. He is a leader now and he's much more vocal than he was."
READ MORE: Newcastle United note book: Castore talks imminent, astronomical Bruno fee and Isak fitness caution
And Howe hopes that Trippier's encouragement around the place rubs off on others.
Howe said: "I want all my players to show passion in each game and show people how important each game is. It can't just be one player.
"You are looking for every player to give personality on the pitch. When you come off you want to say: 'I was proud of that effort today'.
"We want to show the best version of ourselves. The supporters have paid their money and given their time to come and watch us. We need to show how important that was to us."
Howe though feels that his "leadership group" in the dressing room is also starting to come good. Last weekend Dan Burn finished the 5-1 win over Brentford as skipper while Jonjo Shelvey has also captained the team. Of course, club captain Jamaal Lascelles is also still on board and is captain when he starts.
Howe said: "Kieran is very important. But there's more than just one. We have a leadership group. Several players in the squad that we need to lead. Kieran is one."
READ NEXT
- Newcastle United to receive share of £200m handout during Qatar World Cup
- Newcastle give Bruno Guimaraes what Mike Ashley couldn't as Man City, Liverpool and Arsenal sigh
- Fabian Schar's scary message ahead of Newcastle United clash away to Manchester United
- Scotland eager to show Elliot Anderson he is 'part of future' ahead of senior friendly vs Turkey
- Bayer Leverkusen reveal Moussa Diaby bid truth as 'a lot of scouts' watch Newcastle target
