Kieran Trippier was one of Atlético’s best players last season. To the point that the rojiblanco team suffered a lot when it was sanctioned by the English Federation. Trippier adapted perfectly to the system of three centers and two backs and when he did not play it was a hard setback for Simeone. This season has not started in the same way and he is not the player from last year. And one of the goals of the coaching staff is to recover the footballer from last season.
Trippier played 28 LaLiga games and another seven in the Champions League a year ago. In total, 35 games, with 2,477 minutes of league competition and 609 in the European tournament. He played 3,086 minutes. The Englishman gave six assists, all in LaLiga. His forays into the band were one of Atlético’s great offensive weapons. In addition, he got on perfectly with Marcos Llorente, with whom he formed a great partnership.
At 31 years old, and with a market value of 20 million, he has two years left on his contract with Atlético. This past summer was the object of desire of the Premier League clubs, but the rojiblanco club always said no to the offers that came from England. Manchester United and Arsenal asked about the Atlético player. But Trippier continues to be an important footballer for the team and, on the other hand, he continues to be called up by his country.
This season he has played nine games, eight in LaLiga and one in the Champions League. But in the league championship only in five has he started. He has played 430 minutes in the league and 40 in the Champions League: in total, 470 minutes. He has lost that almost essential player status. He has been penalized for having to start the preseason late due to the European Championship. England reached the final, which they lost to Italy.
Simeone has placed Marcos Llorente as a right back in some games to the detriment of English. Although the season has only just begun and Trippier has to start performing as he did last season.