Phil Thompson believes Kieran Trippier’s form has ‘fallen off a cliff’ for Newcastle United this season.
Newcastle suffered a disappointing defeat in the FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City on Sunday.
The odds were stacked against the Magpies heading into the game but Eddie Howe’s men struggled to cause any real problems for Pep Guardiola’s side.
It’s fair to say that it has been a disappointing season for Howe so far after such an incredible campaign last time out.
The Englishman currently has Newcastle sitting 10th in the Premier League and has been forced to deal with injuries to a host of key players.
One man who has certainly provided for Howe in the final third is Kieran Trippier, with the full-back managing 10 assists in the league so far this term.
But there have been some concerns over the 33-year-old’s recent form and Phil Thompson is worried about Trippier.
Thompson on Trippier’s form for Newcastle
Speaking on talkSPORT, Thompson discussed Trippier-s recent struggles in a Newcastle shirt.
“I think Trippier is one where you look at the failing of all the players because to me I’ve always thought what a player,” the Liverpool legend said. “His energy levels and his commitment have always been incredible each game.
“All of a sudden, he’s like fallen off a cliff and his performances and his mistakes have started to cost.
“I always think when you make mistakes, yes you can make one, but when it’s continuous, your mind is not right, your energy levels have dropped.
“But him and big Dan Burn. Burn was the tallest and best left-back in the country at one point.”
Newcastle’s form this season has been patchy, to say the least, and Trippier’s performances have dipped of late.
The England international continues to provide in the final third but he’s made some costly defensive errors during the second half of the season.
That could be partly down to fatigue as he’s already racked up 36 appearances for Howe’s side this term.
Newcastle have had plenty of injuries to deal with this season and that has led to the likes of Trippier having little opportunity to rest.
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