Newcastle United’s best signing of the summer has emerged – and it’s not yet Nick Woltemade.
That is not to disrespect Woltemade, of course. The German international scored his second goal of the Premier League season on Sunday, nodding in a cross from Sandro Tonali before Newcastle lost to Arsenal.
The German international is looking like a fine addition to the Newcastle United squad, even if the attacking line around him is yet to click.
However, there is another summer signing emerging as an absolute bargain.
Indeed, Malick Thiaw looks a nailed-on starter for Eddie Howe’s side now.
- Who is Malick Thiaw? Meet the ‘very good’ defender Eddie Howe has brought to Newcastle United
Newcastle United strike transfer gold with Malick Thiaw
Thiaw could end up costing Newcastle United around £34million after joining from AC Milan, with the club having missed out on the likes of Marc Guehi and Dean Huijsen in consecutive summers.
The German, however, looks anything but third-choice now.
Despite the defeat against Arsenal, he was brilliant. Though Fabian Schar has been an excellent player for Newcastle over the years, Thiaw no longer appears to be just his long-term heir. Even when Schar returns, it’s difficult to see any justification for dropping Thiaw.
A resolute defender and a player very comfortable on the ball, Thiaw has hardly put a foot wrong since arriving at the club.
Malick Thiaw stats for Newcastle United vs Arsenal
Thiaw has been hailed as a “monster” and it’s difficult to disagree with that claim.
Clearly, everyone will be disappointed by the manner of the defeat to the Gunners but that shouldn’t take away from how good Thiaw – and Sven Botman – were for most of the game.
As per WhoScored data, Thiaw made seven clearances, one tackle, one interception and won five aerial duels.
| Newcastle United vs Arsenal statistics | Malick Thiaw |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Interceptions | 1 |
| Aerial duels won | 5 |
| Clearances | 7 |
He largely looked composed throughout, as he has done in almost all of his appearances thus far.
Perhaps the likes of Woltemade, Yoane Wissa and Jacob Ramsey will go on to surpass him as Newcastle’s best signing of the summer at some point.
Right now, though, he very much has that tag.
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