Christmas Day brought a touch of nostalgia for Kieran Trippier, as the Newcastle United defender reflected on one of the most important partnerships of his time at St James’ Park.
While attention around Trippier has recently turned toward speculation about his future ahead of the January transfer window, the England international took a moment to look back on the bonds he built during the early days of the club’s new era.
Trippier will always hold a special place in Newcastle’s modern history. Arriving from Atlético Madrid in January 2022, he became the first major signing of the PIF era and instantly raised standards across the squad.
His influence went far beyond his performances on the pitch. He brought leadership, professionalism and belief to a team that desperately needed direction, helping Eddie Howe shape a side capable of competing at a far higher level than many thought possible at the time.
From the moment he pulled on the black and white shirt, Trippier transformed Newcastle’s right side. His delivery, game intelligence and calmness under pressure set the tone for those around him.
One of the players who benefited most from his presence was Miguel Almirón. Together, they formed a strong and dependable partnership that became a key feature of Howe’s system during that period.
Almirón’s work rate and defensive discipline made him the perfect partner for Trippier. The Paraguayan’s willingness to track back, press tirelessly and support his full-back allowed Trippier to express himself going forward.
That balance helped Newcastle become more compact, more aggressive and far more effective as a unit. It was a relationship built on trust and understanding, and it showed every time they took the field together.
Although Almirón eventually lost his place in the starting lineup to Jacob Murphy, and later returned to former club Atlanta United earlier this year, the connection between the two players clearly remains strong.
On Christmas Day, Almirón shared a festive photo on social media, enjoying the holiday with his family. Trippier was quick to respond, leaving a simple but telling message underneath: “Miss my partner.”
Those three words captured the spirit of a partnership that defined an important chapter in Newcastle’s recent story.
Trippier and Almirón played together 89 times for the club, a run that included countless overlaps, defensive shifts and moments of energy down the right flank. They even combined for a goal, linking up in a memorable strike against Burnley in 2023.
While football naturally moves on and squads evolve, the impact of that pairing should not be forgotten.
Murphy’s rise was deserved, and Newcastle benefited from the competition, but the Trippier-Almirón partnership symbolised the optimism and progress of the early PIF era. It was a time when belief returned to the stands and players began exceeding expectations.
Trippier brought elite quality and leadership, while Almirón’s development reflected the work Eddie Howe did to unlock potential in players he inherited. Together, they helped lay the foundations for Newcastle’s resurgence.
Even as rumours swirl about Trippier’s next move, moments like this remind supporters of what he has already given the club, and why his influence will always be remembered.
