5 Footballers who refused to be 'just' substitutes

#2 Kieran Trippier

Trippier got his step-up following Walker's departure to Guardiola's City.

For the longest time, all the noise coming out of White Hart Lane was that they had an equally good right-back in Kieran Trippier, if Kyle Walker did decide to jump ship.

This assertion was met with skepticism from the rest of the footballing world which insisted that Tottenham would hang onto the English international who'd become a vital cog in the Pochettino machine. But Tottenham put their money where their mouth is and decided to unload Walker to Manchester City when the latter tabled a bid for £50 million pounds.

It was time for Kieran Trippier to prove his mettle to the world. And to be fair to the lad, he hasn't really disappointed thus far.

7 - Kieran Trippier has assisted Harry Kane on seven occasions in the Premier League in 2017; more than any other Spurs player. Chemistry. pic.twitter.com/osvXWWHi5p

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 22, 2017

This stat tells us that he isn't just keeping up with the rest of the team but has challenged status-quo. It's surprisingly delightful to see English talent flourish under Pochettino. Where it is happening though, erks me deeply.

Moving on quickly.

The Englishman has also been solid at the back for Tottenham and is involved in the most economical back-line in the Premier League, save the two Manchester sides. They also have 15 clean sheets this season, bettered only by United.

Good on you, Kieran!