Some excellent analysis of BBC Sport about what Malick Thiaw brings to Newcastle United.
Eddie Howe finally lands the new option to compete with Fabian Schar on the right of the center of the defense.
Malick Thiaw Although a versatile player who can play a number of positions, even as a defensive midfielder.
However, it is in the central defense of him that he will mainly prevent, probably in a rear four but comfortable in a rear three, which plays in one of the three roles.
So what exactly will Malick Thiaw bring to the Newcastle United team of Eddie Howe …
Analysis of BBC Sport About what Malick Thiaw brings to Newcastle United – August 13, 2025:
‘Malick Thiaw’s arrival at Tyneside helps to relieve the frustrating transfer window of Newcastle.
The defender seems to be high on the list of goals of Eddie Howe for some time and it is easy to see why. He is a modern defensive hybrid and has a rare combination of physical and technical properties.
The 6ft 4 in Germany International is strong in the air, but has a top speed with which it can operate in the Newcastle preferred line. It is also tactically flexible and can be implemented as a right-sided or left-sided middle behind, while operating three in 2022-23 in the middle of a back.
Thiaw can produce line -breaking steps and switch the game effectively. In 2024-25 he ranked in the top 10 for long steps completed by defenders, with an average of 3.5 per match in the Italian flight. Despite that, he rarely gives the ball away, and in the Serie A last season only two defenders had better passing accuracy than his 93.6%
The acquisition of a youthful defender was a clear priority in this window, with then Burn, Jamaal Lascelles and Fabian Schar over 30 and Sven Botman struggled with injuries.
Thiaw has just turned 24 and, although it is unlikely that he would immediately replace the 33-year-old Schar, he is seen as a successor in the long term.
He is the ideal age to develop under the custody of Howe and has years to sharpen his already impressive game. ‘
#Excellent #analysis #Malick #Thiaw #brings #Newcastle #United #BBC #Sport #Report