Newcastle United’s decision to sign Malick Thiaw from AC Milan looks better and better with each passing game.
The 24-year-old continued his impressive start to life on Tyneside in Newcastle United’s win over Manchester City, keeping Erling Haaland at bay with what appeared to be relative ease.
There were some strong performances, but Malick Thiaw was Newcastle’s best player against Man City, and his performance has earned him a place in Troy Deeney’s BBC Sport team of the week.
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Troy Deeney thinks Newcastle United have transformed Malick Thiaw
Thiaw is part of Deeney’s back four that includes Daniel Munoz, Murillo and Ferdi Kadioglu.
Deeney has been seriously impressed with the German defender, admitting that he appears to have improved a lot since moving to Newcastle United.
“I watched him a few times last year in Italy for AC Milan and he was getting killed because he was making mistakes,” he said.
“But at Newcastle he’s been a monster. He’s been really strong and powerful and looks elegant.
“It looks like he’s found a spiritual home.”
Eddie Howe’s glowing comments on Malick Thiaw’s rapid-fire impact for Newcastle United.
Thiaw is actually one of two Newcastle United players included in Deeney’s team of the week, alongside Harvey Barnes.
On Barnes, Deeney wrote: “A really interesting player. He plays well, usually better off the bench, but Anthony Gordon has an injury so he has to play. He missed a huge chance against Manchester City at 0-0 with his easiest shot. But to have the mental fortitude to put himself in difficult situations and score twice was great.”
Newcastle United saw Malick Thiaw as a rough diamond
While they obviously had confidence in his ability and potential, it has been reported that Newcastle staff are surprised by how well Thiaw has done.
That says more about the level Thiaw is playing at, having quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s leading centre-backs.
When he arrived from AC Milan, Newcastle saw Thiaw as a rough diamond. He had all the attributes required to be a star, but just needed to refine his game.
That has not taken long at all, with the £34million man barely making a single mistake in black and white. His pace has added a new dimension to the Newcastle backline, while his decision-making has been faultless.
Newcastle have struck gold with Thiaw, and his performances will leave Premier League rivals wondering why they did not challenge the Magpies for his signature.
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