BECKS IS KIE ON TRIPP TO THE TOP

KIERAN TRIPPIER can bend it like Beckham – but admits he is a long way off matching the standards set by the England and Manchester United legend.

After Trippier’s stunning World Cup, when his lethal set-piece delivery caught everyone’s eye, the Tottenham star is suddenly experiencing fame like never before.

These days he gets stopped in the street by adoring England fans.

And – as Fulham found out last weekend – the ex-Burnley defender (below) has started the new Premier League season where he left off in Russia.

Trippier’s curling free-kick in Spurs’ 3-1 win last Saturday was as good as the beauty he rattled in during the semi-final against Croatia.

And they were both strikes David Beckham would have been proud of in his prime.

The right-back, 27, who faces United at Old Trafford tomorrow, said:

‘I used to watch him on YouTube.

“He’s the one I always looked up to, his crossing, the way he picked people out, his long passing, short passing, ability at set-pieces, the way he moved the ball at free-kicks.

“He was my idol growing up, someone that I wanted to be.

“I’m nowhere near his level but I can try and get there.”

A year ago Trippier was fighting for a regular place in Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs line-up – now he is an automatic pick for club and country.

His respect for the Argentine coach is huge, as it is for his old Burnley bosses Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche and current England supremo Gareth Southgate.

Trippier said: “They’re all great at man-management – the way they handle players.

“The gaffer here makes us work so hard but nobody complains. Everyone is happy – even those who don’t play.” BRAZILIANT: Pereira is making a good impression at United