By Martin Graham
Eddie Howe entered last summer’s transfer window with concerns. Newcastle United He needed a dominant centre-back, but the pool of suitable options was slim. The coach’s best choice was Malick Thiawalthough rewarding the 24-year-old away from AC Milan seemed uncertain.
Having missed out on several previous targets, including Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko, Joao Pedro and James Trafford, there was a real fear of history repeating itself. This time, however, Newcastle were successful, sealing a £35m deal for Thiaw in August.
While other higher-profile signings later attracted more attention, especially Nick Woltemade, Yoane warned, Anthony Elangai Jacob Ramsey – Howe always saw Thiaw as a crucial addition. “Malick is an exceptional talent and has a little bit of everything,” Howe said. “I’m delighted with its start.”
A player built for pressure
Newcastle’s recruitment staff had been following Thiaw’s progress in Milan for some time, convinced that his combination of power, mobility and composure was rare for his price. The German defender was equally enthusiastic, having previously turned down a move to Como, but quickly saw Newcastle as a suitable step up.
Before finalizing his move, Thiaw spoke to Howe and conducted his own research into the club and the Premier League. He saw ambition and potential, values ​​he shared. During a training camp in the Lake District, performance consultant Paul Winsper, who has worked with the likes of Anthony Joshua, Maro Itoje and Antonio Rudiger, spoke highly of both Newcastle and the region to Thiaw.
Winsper believed that Thiaw’s mindset would be a perfect fit for the environment. “I’m not saying Milan aren’t a massive club, they are, but the atmosphere at Newcastle is different,” he said. “His mentality is similar to Rudiger’s. The more difficult the situation, the better the performance.”
Up to the occasion
Thiaw’s preparation was soon tested. when Fabian Schar suffered concussion last month, Newcastle lost a player who had been an ever-present under Howe, making 162 appearances. Thiaw had joined too late to start the season and initially watched from the bench, using this spell to study the intensity and pace of the Premier League.
His attitude impressed the coaching staff, and when his full debut came against Bournemouth, he jumped at the chance. Since then, the 6ft 4in defender has retained his place, forming a solid partnership alongside Sven Botman.
His friend Erdem Canpolat, who went through Schalke’s academy with him, was not surprised. “Malick never backs down from a challenge,” he said. “He always leads by example – a real monster of a mentality.”
Forming Newcastle’s new defensive core
The crowd of St. James’ Park has quickly embraced Thiaw, singing her name to the tune of Ciao Bella. Since their debut, Newcastle have conceded just six goals in nine games in all competitions, a defensive record that has helped them maintain stability despite occasional setbacks against Arsenal and Brighton.
Statistically, only Arsenal have more Premier League clean sheets than Newcastle’s five this season, while the Magpies’ expected goals against figure (7.33) is second behind the league leaders. Thiaw’s contribution has been vital to this defensive force.
According to Opta, among Premier League defenders with more than 400 minutes played, Thiaw ranks fourth for interceptions (1.79) and sixth in both aerial duels won (4.17) and duel successes (71%) per 90 minutes. He also has the second-highest passing accuracy on the team (87%), behind only Jacob Ramsey.
Former Schalke team-mate Can Bozdogan praised his balanced style: “He doesn’t just clear the ball, he finds solutions. He’s technical, athletic, quick and intelligent. Newcastle will enjoy watching him.”
