See my post here:
Trippier did not 'play the latter third of the season', he started 5 PL games out of 10 during the run in. I absolutely will not credit him for that 2nd place finish. Walker was our first choice for the vast majority of games.
Except for that 2nd place finish where Trippier only made 12 league appearances (including substitute appearances). Whoops.
And yes, while 17/18's third placed finish did match that of 15/16, it was regression from our peak during 16/17. I'm no fool, I wouldn't attribute it to one player. Along with the upheaval of the stadium build and issues in midfield, I see our deterioration at full back as a contributing factor.
But hey, you see, I agree with you that we need to upgrade midfield...
Why the fuck else do you think I'm hanging my liver out for Ndombele? Regardless of CM being priority over RB, the latter can still be discussed.
I really don't get this defence of Trippier, to be quite honest. People are waxing lyrical about him as if Man City could have picked him over Walker. Bollocks would they. The guy can whip in a nice cross (explaining your assist stat from before), but his defensive mistakes this season have been fucking dreadful at times - and this is from a 28 year old, not a 21 year old prospect who is ironing out his game.
Fuck me, if Juve (for whatever reason) want to buy him for a good price then we should be biting their hands off. If Aurier was to be shipped out instead, then fine, but we shouldn't be rolling into the 19/20 season with Trippier as our first choice RB.