Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier has taken his game to 'another level' this season, while team-mate Sven Botman has been hailed as 'absolutely outstanding' by former Arsenal and England star Paul Merson.
Both have been included in his Premier League team of the season as the pundit picked his best XI as the season draws to a close. Newcastle's defence has been the bedrock of their push for a Champions League place this season, and it will be tested again when Arsenal arrive at St James' Park on Sunday.
Trippier was the first signing made under the new ownership in January 2022, and set the tone for what would be a remarkable run of form last season that ensured United's Premier League future. Trippier's arrival from Atletico Madrid signalled an upturn in the club's fortunes, with the right-back keeping his place in the England squad for last year's World Cup and taking the on-field captaincy of the Magpies.
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Botman had long been a target, but it took the club a little longer to get their man, with the Dutch defender arriving from Lille in the summer transfer window. But he took no time to settle into life in the Premier League and, alongside Fabian Schar, has gone on to establish one of the meanest defensive partnerships in the division.
And while Merson was known for his attacking flair, the defensive abilities of Trippier and Botman have not been lost on the ex-Arsenal star.
"Trippier has taken it to another level this season," Merson told GiveMeSport. "He’s always had a great right foot but the time he spent at Atletico Madrid made him an even better defender. And his leadership qualities on and off the pitch have been so important for Newcastle. He’s an unbelievable professional."
And of Botman, he added: "He’s been absolutely outstanding. For him to come in to a new country and a new league and do what he’s done, has been brilliant. He has made the players around him better. He defends so well. Newcastle don’t give you a sniff any more and he marshals that back four in my opinion."
Six of Merson's side could in action at St James' Park tomorrow, with the United pair joined by Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale, William Saliba, Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka - although defender Saliba is expected to miss the game with a back problem.
Paul Merson's Premier League team of the season: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier, William Saliba, Sven Botman, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Kevin de Bruyne, Martin Odegaard, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Erling Haaland.
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