Why Burnley should bring back Kieran Trippier

According to The Sun (h/t Daily Mail), Burnley are interested in re-signing their former full-back Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid.

The 29-year-old moved to the Wanda Metropolitano last summer and his eye-catching displays in Spain this season have alerted a number of Premier League clubs including Burnley.

Tripper has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Diego Simeone’s side this term and has contributed to his side with four assists to his name. The report also suggests that Trippier is on the lookout for new destinations.

The right-back earned his reputation as one of the best right-backs in England during his time with the Clarets, featuring for them between 2011-2015 before making a move to Tottenham. He played a total of 185 matches for Burnley.

He scored 6 goals and provided an impressive 37 assists, giving a clear indication of the talent that he is. Trippier’s reputation as a talented full-back increased even more after moving to Tottenham, with the defender managing 24 assists from 114 games, earning a national team call-up.

He was also a part of manager Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup squad, scoring England’s opener in the semi-final against Croatia. Having proved his mettle already, both in England and Spain, there is no questioning the right-back’s abilities.

Trippier can offer Burnley creativity from the flanks

Atletico have now placed a £20million price tag on his head. Hence, Burnley should continue their pursuit of their former man, with the club clearly in need of a right-back. Defenders Phil Bardsley Matthew Lowton have been sharing the right-back duties this term, with the former featuring 14 times and the latter making 15 league appearances respectively.

However, both lack creativity and attacking instinct on the flanks, which has seen Burnley score just 34 goals from their 29 league outings. Moreover, Bardsley and Lowton will turn 35 and 31 respectively in June and seem to be nearing the end of their careers.

That said, Burnley could really do with an experienced campaigner like Trippier, who is still at the top of his game.

Read more:

• Why Burnley should not let go of Sean Dyche
• Why Burnley should make a move for Omar Elabdellaoui
• 7 goals, 6 assists – Why Burnley should win the race for 23-year-old League One ace Cameron Brannagan

Verdict

Burnley are clearly in need of an attacking full-back, with veterans Bardsley and Lowton having managed just two league assists this season. Also, they both are already past their thirties and Burnley clearly don’t have any back-ups. Hence, roping in Trippier will only make them stronger.