After a sterling World Cup in Russia, Kieran Trippier is determined to take his game to the next level this season back at Tottenham.
Trippier impressed at right-wing back during the summer tournament, with his perfect control, pin-point crosses, and astounding free kick against Croatia in the semi-final.
With shades of this set piece goal in Russia, Trippier stepped up on Saturday, with the scores level, and repeated the same result, finding the back of the next from 25 yards.
The 27-year-old is now hoping to kick on from his stellar first game back.
Trippier said: “I was delighted to play at the World Cup, it’s crazy what a year can do because I only made my debut for England last year and a year later I am playing in a World Cup.”
“I learnt a lot about myself, it gave me a lot of confidence and I am happy to come back with more experience.
“Hopefully I can put that to good use by playing as many games as I can for Tottenham this season and helping the team out.”
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Speaking of his new-found talent for free kicks, Trippier described what was running through his head as he stepped up to strike the winning blow against Fulham at Wembley.
“Some of the boys saw me shaping up to take it and said, ‘Is it not a bit too far out?’
“That made me question my decision and think, ‘Is it a bit too far out?’ But the decision had already been made and I tried to block the keeper’s view as much as possible by telling the boys to get in the wall.
“I am happy it went in. I think it was a crucial time to get a goal, no matter who scored it, because they were getting on top of the game.
“They had scored and gained a lot of momentum, but I think my goal threw them a bit. It was a massive goal in terms of the game.
“Fulham are a very good side and pass it well. I think they will do really well this season.”
Despite a brilliant 2017/18 campaign, Trippier only played 24 of Tottenham’s 38 Premier League games last season.
He will be hoping for more game time this year, as he looks to widen the gap between himself and often unreliable understudy Serge Aurier.
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