Liam Keen comment: Class act Kieran Trippier to inspire Wolves

He may turn 36-years-old in September, but the former England international’s stock is still high and there was surprise among many sets of fans that he was willing to drop down to the Championship.

Wolves followed that up with the free signing of Raul Jimenez to really get supporters excited and they have since added Rafiki Said - and although fans are keen for more additions, that still represented a strong start to the summer even if Wolves have slowed down since.

In Trippier, Wolves are getting a player that started three games against Barcelona in the Champions League last season, played in the final of that competition in 2019 and has scored in the semi-final of a World Cup.

He has won the Spanish top flight title with Atletico Madrid and played at the top of the game, making 225 Premier League appearances in his career.

His next task is to inspire Wolves to promotion from the Championship and during the pre-season trip to Portugal the Express & Star had exclusive access to training to see the defender in action.

Cesar Peixoto is very loud during session and hands-on during all the drills, alongside his energetic coaching staff, and alongside them Trippier is a constant voice.

He is in consistent communication with those around him, he encourages and gives advice, and demands certain standards are met.

In truth, Wolves have lacked this for some time. There are good characters in the group and some that lead by example, but an issue last season as they were relegated was a lack of an outgoing, charismatic and clear leader.

Peixoto is taking his time to figure out his club captain, but Trippier has to be one of the names in the running and for many reasons he is the perfect candidate.

A lot of his leadership skills were displayed in training through his relationships with the players around him.

With him at right-back, Rodrigo Gomes was often in front of him on the right wing during game-like scenarios and Trippier was constantly coaching the 23-year-old through the drills.

From his starting position - particularly when Gomes is needed higher up the pitch - to when to press and when to drop back, Trippier was talking to his team-mate throughout.

Gomes is an exciting player but still raw in some aspects and he will only benefit from Trippier’s help. Depending on transfer activity, this could be Wolves’ starting right side and it has shown a lot of promise.

Trippier has also been mentoring Pedro Lima and the 20-year-old is currently set to be the right-back competition for the experienced Englishman.

Wolves will have a lot more fixtures to play next season and Trippier and Lima could be a perfect blend of maturity and youth.

Aside from the personal qualities, Trippier has also looked sharp technically and physically.

The defender is still quick over a short distance, is technically and tactically impressive and uses his experience to his benefit.

His set piece delivery in training, from corners and free-kicks, was excellent and will create plenty of chances for Wolves next season.

He followed that up with some more impressive set pieces in the Estoril friendly.

Trippier will be an important player for Wolves next season and if they can get the balance of the squad right with more additions, he could play a big role in a successful campaign.

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