Newcastle United fans are already seeing the best of Malick Thiaw.
The German defender has started Newcastle United’s previous four games, having received an opportunity in the aftermath of Fabian Schar’s concussion.
The 33-year-old is now available again, but did not return to the starting XI as Newcastle beat Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League.
Malick Thiaw retained his place at centre-back alongside Sven Botman, putting in another exceptional performance at the heart of the Toon defence. Thiaw was serenaded by Newcastle fans in Brussels, who have been blown away by the 24-year-old’s start to life on Tyneside.
However, his form has not resulted in an international call-up.
- Who is Malick Thiaw? Meet the ‘very good’ defender Eddie Howe has brought to Newcastle United
Malick Thiaw not named in Germany squad
After Newcastle United’s next game against Nottingham Forest, a lot of Eddie Howe’s players will head out on international duty to represent their countries.
However, that will not be the case for Thiaw.
Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers has been announced, but there is no place for Thiaw. That is despite his outstanding form in black and white.
The £34million man has got three Germany caps to his name, with his last coming in October 2023 against Mexico. That was Thiaw’s only appearance for his country since Nagelsmann became manager.
The last time Thiaw was in the Germany squad was November 2023. However, he had to withdraw due to his wife giving birth.
Nick Woltemade aims to score first Germany goal after Newcastle United heroics
While there is no room for Thiaw in the Germany squad, Nick Woltemade has made the cut.
He will hope to take his club form to the international stage, with Woltemade shining for Newcastle United. The 23-year-old has been exceptional, scoring three goals for his new club.
Since the last international break, Woltemade has scored his first Premier League goal and his first Champions League goal. Now he will aim to score his first international goal, having failed to find the net in any of his first five Germany appearances.
- Who is Nick Woltemade? The ‘two-metre Messi-Musiala’ Newcastle United broke transfer record to sign
Woltemade was criticised during the last international break, at a time when Germany failed to start their World Cup qualifying campaign strongly.
They will be under pressure to perform, but Woltemade should go into the games against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland full of confidence.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
