Not sure who does the Newcastle research now, but they've done a good job I think.
I'm here to make a case for a significant upgrade to Kieran Trippier though! Bruno Guimaraes has been getting a lot of the plaudits for our performances this season but imo Trippier is at least - if not more - responsible for this. Trips has recently said himself that he is playing the best football of his career right now and there's a lot of evidence available to back that up. I realise we're a bit late for full release so something to consider for winter update maybe.
Set Pieces
Our effectiveness in set pieces is in part due to the innovation of our coaches (some upgrades to the coaching staff to be made??), but also thanks to Trippier's delivery. His corners, long or short are fantastic. Trippier has the most shot creating actions from dead balls this season so far:
He has 3 direct free kick goals this calendar year despite being injured for months. Also has hit the post on a few occasions. I think he should be amongst the best in the league for this.
Suggestion:
Corners: 14 > 16
Free kicks: 16 > 17
Technicals
Kieran Trippier's passing and crossing ability is on a par with Trent Alexander-Arnold's. Yes, you heard! He is a very, very technical player.
PL full backs this season:
Obviously, his set pieces contribute to a lot of the above (same as Trent), but he has the joint most through balls from full back (with Trent), joint 4th in the league overall and is really high up on progressive passes. His long passing completion rate is fantastic. I don't think any of the above is reflected in the game. See also this xThreat graph:
His xThreat from passes is second only to KDB in the league. He is a playmaker who is controlling games from right back.
Suggestions:
Passing: 13 > 16
Crossing: 16 > 17
First touch: 14 > 16
Technique: 14 > 16
Dribbling: 12 > 10. He doesn't dribble. Giving him the same attribute as Schar and only a point behind Almiron is too generous.
Vision: 14 > 15
Physicals
He's not quick and can be ran at/dribbled past reasonably easily. Thankfully he makes up for this by marking his opponent very tightly/aggressively and rarely giving them the opportunity (perhaps add ppm marks opponent tightly?).
He is however exceptionally fit. He plays the entire right flank for us. He plays right back but as soon as we win the ball his is sprinting to be in a right winger position and this is all game every game. He came back from injury very well, is able to play every game and doesn't seem to be declining at all at 32 years of age.
Suggestions:
Acceleration: 13 > 12
Pace: 14 > 12
Stamina: 16 > 18
Natural Fitness: 16 > 19
Mentals and Hidden:
Assuming the Newcastle researcher is a Newcastle fan I don't need to explain how transformative his leadership and professionalism have been for us. He is the best leader we have had since Shearer and a model pro.
Suggestions:
Leadership: 16 > 19
Professionalism: 15 > 18
Important matches: 11 > 16
Pressure: 13 > 18
Temperament: 14 > 16
Determination: 15 > 18
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I think the above will require a substantial CA rise or 6 or 7 points (using fmrte to get a guage), but he is one of the best full backs in the world now. In the game he's miles off this and I don't think his profile reflects the technical nature of his game.