Is Trippier essential in FPL?

As we approach the international break one of few assets in the game is standing out. We answer one question many are asking themselves within the community at this time and that question is, is Kieran Trippier essential in FPL?

With the help of the Fantasy Football Scout members area, we use the fixture ticker and player and team underlying stats along with other factors to answer this. Knowing which are players are essential and which players are not could be crucial to the plans of managers. So, is Trippier essential in FPL?

Kieran Trippier 22/23

The graphic above displays the top five defenders in the game for points last season. We can clearly see that Kieran Trippier finished above every other in his position for FPL points (198). But, how did he get those points?

The best place to start would be the Newcastle defence. Below we can see that last season his side managed to finish joint best for goals conceded (33). Newcastle also finished joint second best for clean sheets (14), second second best for shots in the box conceded (242), second best for shots on target conceded (127) and second best for big chances conceded (51).

The Newcastle defence was fantastic last season and one of the main reasons Trippier managed so many points. But what else contributed towards his tally?

We can see from the above that Trippier was also excellent in terms of distribution. Amongst all defenders he ranked first for chances created (110) and second best for big chances created (24). His creativity converted into actual output as well as he picked up nine assists.

We can also see below that Trippier also ranked as the best defender for bonus points with 39. In fact, Trippier was well clear of second place Trent Alexander-Arnold by a huge 18 bonus points.

Kieran Trippier was excellent last season but we should also consider the new campaign.

Trippier fixtures

Below we can see the Fantasy Football Scout fixture ticker. The ticker has ordered teams at the top with the easiest fixtures and the teams at the bottom with the toughest fixtures.

Newcastle rank fifth on the fixture ticker from now until Gameweek 17 (a 10-match period). They face some fantastic fixtures ahead against some of the worst defensive and offensive sides in the league.

Trippier has a great fixture run ahead but what is he currently offering and is it anywhere near his 22/23 campaign standards?

Firstly it is worth mentioning that Newcastle started the season with one of the toughest schedules in the division. In their first five matches they faced Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, Brighton and Brentford, five of the best attacks in the league.

That may be but as we can see, Newcastle still rank joint first for clean sheets (three). This is a big indicator that with easier fixtures they could become one of the best defensive sides to invest in.

The tough schedule led many to be believe they were no longer a top defensive side but they also rank the best for big chances conceded (six), in the top four for goals conceded (seven) and attempts from set plays conceded (18) and sit third best for expected goals conceded (7.04).

Trippier’ current distribution

One of Trippier’ biggest appeals was his assists and assist potential. When looking at the graphic below we can see that Trippier is already sustaining some of the best distribution data in the league amongst defenders.

Trippier currently sits the best for chances created (22) and the best for big chances created (five). His distribution is also converting into assists similar to last season and he already ranks the best amongst defenders for that as well (four).

Bonus potential

Trippier may have played tough fixtures but he is also rising back to his 22/23 campaign bonus standards. He currently ranks second amongst all defenders for bonus with nine.

Is Trippier essential in FPL?

Newcastle were one of the best defences in the league last season and even with a tough starting schedule they appear to be edging closer to that same form this season. They already rank amongst the best for several key defensive data points and that looks set to continue as their fixtures ease.

Trippier was also the best defender in the league last season for distribution, points and bonus potential. This season, even with tough fixtures Trippier is top for assists, chances created, big chances created and second for bonus points.

The Newcastle fixtures are easing which means the potential of Trippier will only increase. Trippier is and likely will be an excellent asset moving forward, potentially one of the best in the game. Although maybe not essential, he is and should be a priority transfer in for most managers.