Last summer Atlético Madrid refreshed their backline with the arrival of Kieran Trippier. It was a move which saw him become one of a select group of Englishmen daring to embrace La Liga’s bright lights.
Kieran Trippier: An Englishman Rejuvenated in Madrid
Trippier in La Liga
Atlético Madrid raised eyebrows with the signing of England International Kieran Trippier from Tottenham Hotspur for £21.7 million pounds. The 28-year-old right-back from Bury signed a three-year-deal, swapping London for Madrid.
The Truth of the Matter
The England defender sought pastures anew after a tough final season at Tottenham Hotspur. This was confirmed in a recent publication attributed to Football London with quotes from The Beautiful Game Podcast where he discussed at length his former club and life at Atlético.
He discussed from his point of view how his Spurs career fizzled out:
“There were mixed emotions during my final season. Injuries were a huge issue for me,” he said.
“Perhaps I should have been more professional, taken a step back and said something. I was playing games at 60 or 70 per cent. Maybe I should have taken a step back.”
Clearly, a fresh opportunity was needed from the mixed messages he was receiving at Spurs about whether or not he was a valuable member of the squad for the future. Interest from Atlético certainly made Trippier take the initiative in the dilemma and push for a move abroad.
He also admitted he hadn’t spoken to former boss Mauricio Pochettino after his departure. But he was full of praise for what he had done for him. He added he would have stayed had he had the full backing of his manager:
“I sought out the manager and asked ‘do you want me to stay?’ If he told me straight ‘yeah, you are part of my plans I want you to stay’ then I would have continued at the club as I would have had that clarity coming straight from the gaffer.”
Trippier also had words for the fans, saying he had fond memories of his five years at Tottenham and thanked them for their support.
The Missing Link
The player also discussed how the Champions League final could have been different:
“The importance of Mousa Dembele was vital to the team. When he left in January we all felt his lack of presence and drop in quality.
“He was the best player I’ve ever played with and well respected in the squad. He gave us that extra quality. Had he been there until the end of the season, we would have had a greater possibility to win the final in Madrid.”
England’s Shining Light
Although he didn’t perform well last season in England, he was a solid performer overall in the Premier League. Just two years ago, he was arguably England’s standout performer at the 2018 World Cup. The defender shone through his expert dead-ball assists, marauding attacking runs and exceptional crossing deliveries.
The Trajectory of Trippier
Trippier is an experienced campaigner with over 200 club appearances in English football for Barnsley, Burnley and at Tottenham Hotspur. He spent four seasons at White Hart Lane and Wembley – racking up 69 appearances with two goals to his name.
Kieran Trippier’s Last Dance with Spurs
Indeed, the cultured right-back started and played his last game for Spurs in last year’s Champions League final. The irony being the final took place in the Wanda Metropolitano of, yes, you guessed it, Trippier’s new club, Atlético Madrid. This is evident of the ironies of how football works in mysterious ways.
Trippier became Atlético’s first Englishman in 95 years. There was much intrigue into how he adapted to life not just on the field, but off it too.
England Abroad
His move to the Spanish capital made him the 20th Englishman to step foot in La Liga. In terms of his predecessors, he followed a band of Englishman who have drawn a mixed bag in terms of having success in Spain.
Trippier followed on from the likes of Gary Lineker at Barcelona and Laurie Cunningham, David Beckham, Michael Owen and Jonathan Woodgate at Real Madrid. Also Peter Barnes for Real Betis and Jermaine Pennant from his stint in Real Zaragoza. Not to mention Vinny Samways, who flew the flag with great distinction at Las Palmas and Sevilla.
The Lack of English Players on the Continent
But why are there so few English footballers who have graced La Liga? Various factors are at play. Bravery is an attribute to being one of the prime factors. Players seem unwilling to step out of their comfort zone of their comfy family life to learn a whole new culture. And, of course, that important language barrier.
A lack of an undoubted successful Englishman abroad is another reason. It is natural that players had doubts about the move abroad all the way up to Jadon Sancho becoming the modern-day trailblazer making the foreign route more attractive and in vogue.
Trippier’s bravery to conquer Spanish football deserves respect and admiration. So few have trodden this particular foreign path and, as importantly, have done it to great distinction.
Route Map to Success for Kieran Trippier
What he had to do at Atlético Madrid when he entered this brave new world, however, was step up his game. He simply had to under the strict, aggressive, intense and demanding fighter football style of Diego Simeone. In addition, he had to be ready to be combative and press the opposition more than before. He also had to be graceful and add quality to the ranks.
As importantly, he knew he had to immerse himself in the culture of the city. There was an expectation to learn the language to fully integrate with his teammates. Also, it was vital to know the philosophy of his new boss. All of these traits are a must on face value but some don’t heed that particular advice.
Before completing his move, from outside looking in, he had an immense opportunity to shine for one of La Liga’s heavyweight clubs. Also, from a personal perspective, he could broaden his horizons and savour a fantastic adventure living abroad. A factor the player himself said was crucial to his decision: “It is an amazing feeling. I have always wanted to play abroad and what a place to play in Madrid.”
Atlético’s new defender had a fresh opportunity to buck the trend to prove that an Englishman can rule in La Liga.
Analysing Kieran Trippier’s First Season in La Liga
From his first season over in Spain, he has taken to life in La Liga very well indeed. On his debut against Getafe at the Wanda Metropolitano, he set up the winning goal with a great cross for Álvaro Morata to secure a 1-0 opening day win. A clean sheet and assist was just the tonic to start well after his disappointing last campaign with Spurs.
Fast forward to now and he has, to this date, played 22 matches and attributed four assists. He has greatly improved from his poor form last year thanks to being rejuvenated under Diego Simeone. His willingness to learn and adapt to the Argentine’s demanding philosophy has paid dividends.
Trippier has sharpened his defensive skills set and has settled well into the Atlético team. His notable performances have made him an integral component of the new look Atlético backline. The club had to reinforce the defence after the departures of defensive stalwarts Diego Godín, Juanfran and Filipe Luís.
The Englishman has become an almost permanent fixture in the starting eleven. His influence on the squad has undoubtedly contributed to a successful season.
Atlético still remain in the Champions League thanks to that breathtaking win over Liverpool at Anfield. Also, the team are well placed in La Liga, currently sitting in 3rd place.
Atlético’s Away Woe’s Conquered
Before the pause of La Liga, the Red and Whites were strangely flaky and porous. Especially away from home where they had recorded only two away wins in the league up until March.
However, the break has done Trippier’s team the world of good as they look more like their usual streetwise and effervescent selves. They have already matched their season’s total of away victories in just two weeks.
The team secured two away wins in Levante and Osasuna by an aggregate scoreline of 0-6. Most noteworthy was their valiant and battling 2-2 draw against Barcelona in the Camp Nou in their last away game. This gives further credence to the fact Simeone’s men have improved dramatically on their travels since the restart.
Life in Madrid
Off the field, the player seems to have fit into the culture. He says he has been enjoying learning Spanish to accustom himself to life further in the Spanish capital.
It is a case of so far, so good for Kieran Trippier, who seems refreshed, refocused and reenergized in Madrid. He endured a difficult last season in north London as per his public admission. But now this new chapter in Spain represents a fresh opportunity to be part of his and Atlético’s new dawn.
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