Kieran Trippier grew up idolising and imitating the crosses and set-pieces of David Beckham, a player he is now imitating at the World Cup. The former Real Madrid winger was a player who was famed for his deadly deliveries.
At 27 years old, he made his debut in a World Cup against Tunisia and in it, he created six chances that now make him the most creative player in Russia so far.
Of the 14 goal opportunities for England against Tunisia, almost half came from the boot of their right wing-back.
Since they won the World Cup in 1966, only one player has generated more chances in a World Cup game. That man was Beckham, the idol of Trippier, who set up seven chances for teammates against Trinidad and Tobago in Germany 2006.
He has made the position on the right of a 3-5-2 his own and has also became the main set piece taker for the Three Lions.
During his first World Cup appearance, Trippier hit the ground running with three chances created in each half, more than any other player in the tournament so far. Two of his curved corners resulted in goals for Harry Kane too.
Those behind Trippier in the chances created column (all with five) are Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandr Golovin, Maxi Meza and Thomas Muller.
Kevin De Bruyne, Neymar and Mesut Ozil have four, while Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard are further behind on three.
“I’ve studied Beckham and Andrea Pirlo on how to cross the ball and doing it quickly is the key,” he said in a Times interview.
“I worked a lot with my old coach Steve Eyre and practiced for hours at Platt Lane in Manchester and even now, I try to train on everything.”
The Manchester City youth product eventually reached the top flight with Burley and has since exploded at Tottenham Hotspur, where his connection with Kane is vital.
“I have a good relationship with Harry and we train together every day so he knows there I’m going to put the ball,” Trippier said.
Of the nine assists he has provided for Spurs last season, six resulted in goals for the England captain.
It is a successful connection. The ‘Bury Beckham’, as the English press have christened him, has already shown what he can do in Russia.