Atletico Madrid 0-0 Celta Vigo: 3 Players who were impressive for the Los Rojiblancos and 2 who weren't | La Liga 2019/20

#3 Kieran Trippier – Impressive

Kieran Trippier

In the summer, Kieran Trippier shocked the world when he switched North London for Madrid. Up till then, the Englishman had been a vital cog for Mauricio Pochettino’s side and there hadn’t been too many murmurs regarding a move away.

However, the full-back completed a transfer and though there have emerged numerous reports justifying why the Spurs manager let him leave, one feels that Trippier has completed a step up rather than the other way round, despite Tottenham Hostpur having made the Champions League final last season.

Thus, millions of eyes were trained on the defender as he started pre-season preparations with Atletico, more so because not many British players have successfully made the transition to Spanish life.

Yet, if early season form is any indicator, Trippier seems to have taken to the La Liga like a duck to water and looks primed to rediscover his mojo, after a sub-standard 2018-19 term.

On Saturday, the full-back was a constant attacking outlet down the right flank and contributed extensively to the hosts’ offensive movements. Though he played a slightly withdrawn role in the second half, he was still on hand to stretch the Celta defence and provide width, whenever needed.

In addition, his set-piece delivery was pretty exemplary as several of his crosses and free-kicks posed questions for the visitors’ rear-guard. However, the most impressive aspect of his performance was the way he carried out his defensive duties.

After getting marginally outplayed in the first half, he ensured that nothing of that sort materialised in the succeeding 45 minutes. He nullified the threat of Suarez with aplomb and that contributed majorly to Atletico establishing a stranglehold in the second period.

Throughout Trippier’s highest troughs, his ability to defend properly had come under the scanner. To put things into perspective, some even felt that his heroic World Cup campaign could’ve been more fruitful, had he been more steady on the defensive front.

Hence, the transfer to Atletico and the chance to work under Simeone couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment for the Englishman.

The Argentine, despite his shortcomings, is arguably the most organised coach across Europe and if he can drill a defensive edge into Tripper, the defender could just propel himself as one of the premier full-backs on the planet.