Newcastle could unleash 'monster' on Liverpool and Arsenal as 'buzzing' proves Agbonlahor wrong

Not many supporters elsewhere would be quite so excited about a right-back stepping up his rehab, but the mere sight of Kieran Trippier back on an exercise bike this week delighted Newcastle United fans. It is easy to see why.

It is a team game, of course, but in the four league games before Trippier completed his mid-season move from Atletico Madrid, Newcastle conceded 12 goals and claimed just a point against some admittedly difficult opposition. In contrast, in the four top-flight fixtures the England international played in, Newcastle picked up 10 points and let in just two goals after previously only winning one game all season.

When it came to crosses (10), touches (266) and passes completed in the opposition half (55), the influential Trippier led the way in the games he played for Newcastle and also scored two crucial free-kicks against Everton and Aston Villa. Defensively, too, only Joelinton made more successful tackles than Trippier (12) in those matches while no one made more interceptions (10).

However, Trippier's impact could not just be measured in numbers. Trippier lifted morale and breathed confidence into those around him on literally his first day when he addressed the squad and the 31-year-old has helped to raise standards even further at the training ground.

In the words of Ryan Fraser, Trippier has been a 'monster'. It is sometimes easy to forget that Trippier was captaining his country and winning La Liga just months before joining Newcastle and those survivors from the Ashley era who are desperate to be part of the club's future have unsurprisingly wanted to tap into that experience and follow his lead.

It is Trippier who is the most vocal player in a black-and-white shirt on the pitch,