How Big a Steal Is Kieran Trippier for Tottenham?

Tottenham's £3.5M acquisition of Burnley full-back Kieran Trippier was a wise move. 

His potential was evident last season, as he excelled in a struggling Burnley side. It came as no surprise to regular watchers of the Championship, as Trippier had also been a major part of the Clarets' promotion push the previous season. 

Burnley could realistically have fought for a better deal for their most valuable asset. 

With two years remaining on his contract at Turf Moor, Trippier had little negotiating power to force a move. 

Martin Kelly, a vastly inferior player, moved from Liverpool to Crystal Palace for £1.5 million. Ezekiel Fryers also made the move to Selhurst Park as a £3 million transfer from Tottenham. Kyle Naughton left Spurs for Swansea for £5 million. 

Not one of these players is near Trippier's level. On that basis, Spurs' expenditure looks shrewd. 

That his former club was willing to let him move is a credit to them. 

Veteran defender Michael Duff joked that he and other former teammates of Trippier were forced to kick him out of the club. He told the Lancashire Telegraph, "he had to go and look after himself and his career. But I think that’s why no-one would ever begrudge him."

Trippier's wicked crosses are his most valuable weapon. He has racked up 18 assists in the last two seasons. That is a phenomenal number for a full-back, not least one spending half that time in a team fighting the drop. 

He has so far been seen only in pre-season for Tottenham. 

In that limited time, he has shown himself to be a wicked weapon. His ability to apply wicked curl and pace to his deliveries is rare. 

He shone against an anemic AC Milan in the Audi Cup but was overlooked for the season opener against Manchester United. 

After the final pre-season match, Trippier told the Evening Standard, "Every opportunity I get on the pitch I'll make sure I'm an attacking threat and keep getting those balls in the box and trying to put them on H's [Harry Kane's] head."

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One of Kane's many talents is his ability to make smart runs through the opposition defence. Along with Trippier's ability to play early crosses, this combination could become deadly for Spurs. 

Hugely experienced, Trippier is only 24 and has already made over 200 appearances as a professional but may have to wait for his chance. 

Kyle Walker's fitness problems in recent seasons made the signing of a quality right-back a priority. 

Spurs were forced to make do with Eric Dier, Vlad Chiriches and Kyle Naughton filling in last season, as Walker missed much of the campaign. 

This inconsistency hurt the team, and there were ripples across the season. 

Centre-back Federico Fazio was already struggling to adjust to a new league but having to deal with ineffective players outside him only made things worse. 

Manager Mauricio Pochettino's system relies upon significant contributions from his full-backs in attack. 

Danny Rose flourished in that role last season but there was an absence on the other flank. 

While Dier and even Chiriches did make some positive contributions on occasion, they are not natural full-backs and lack the instincts to play the position convincingly. 

Acquiring a homegrown player with England youth international experience who alleviates one of Tottenham's biggest issues with such a minimal outlay is impressive. 

If he does remain fit, Walker will still face a mighty battle to retain his place in the team. 

Trippier has not moved to White Hart Lane to sit on the bench. He will push Walker for his place and is good enough to take it. 

Not since he became the preferred right-back in 2011 has Walker faced a real fight for his place. 

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He has been often brilliant, but competition will only push him to greater heights. 

Regardless of the outcome, the battle for the right-back spot will only benefit Tottenham. 

Trippier took corners and free-kicks for Burnley and, although midfielder Christian Eriksen is a fine exponent of both, another option for these crucial opportunities is always valuable. 

This signing is already clearly a steal. 

At minimum, Trippier is a vital piece of insurance against potential injury to Walker. 

With his potential, it is possible that Trippier could even win the starting role. Should that come to pass, this £3.5 million move would go down as a masterstroke.