Kieran Trippier believes the emergence of Lewis Miley has given him a problem to deal with at Newcastle United.
Trippier is one of the most experienced players at Newcastle United and has played a major part in the recent success.
Still, the veteran largely loses the battle for a starting berth when Tino Livramento is fit.
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That doesn’t mean Trippier cannot play a huge role of course, whether that’s by actually playing or providing leadership in a support role.
However, if having to battle with Livramento wasn’t enough, Trippier admits Miley’s performances at right-back have given him more competition.
Kieran Trippier praises Lewis Miley
Trippier, who returned to the Newcastle United squad for the win over Crystal Palace, was writing in his programme notes ahead of Wednesday’s clash with Leeds at St James’ Park.
Part of those were posted by Jordan Cronin of Newcastle World on social media platform X.
“The world is his oyster,” he wrote.
“He’s arguably been our Man of the Match in the last four or five games – so Tino Livramento and I have a fight on our hands!”
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It included Trippier’s praise for the teenager, who has been one of the standout performers recently.
Indeed, Miley has been excellent as a defender for Newcastle in recent games despite the fact he’s generally seen as a midfielder.
While the experiment may not continue for much longer now that Trippier and Livramento are free of injury, Miley’s form certainly gives Eddie Howe something to think about.
Trippier is expected to leave Newcastle in 2026 anyway, which could theoretically lead to Miley playing there more often.
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The Newcastle academy star has taken it all in his stride.
He has been excellent and perhaps the greatest credit you can pay him is that Howe’s side didn’t appear to miss Livramento too much in his absence.
That is a remarkable development, given just how much was made about Livramento when he missed a run of games between October and November.
Still, it seems as if neither Howe nor Miley are getting carried away.
In fact, Howe recently revealed that Miley still sees himself as a midfielder.
Speaking after the win over Palace, Howe said: “I would still consider him a midfielder that’s playing, and doing an unbelievable job for the team, at right-back.
“So, that’s my feeling. I’m sure if you asked Lewy, he’d probably say the same but this is giving him a way to play games and it’s benefitting the team currently.”
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