Malick Thiaw
NEWGermany
Right
Aug 8, 2001
24
6'4"
176 lb
CB
--
Controlled Centre Back
NewcastleEligible again
Thiaw may be selected in all competitions going forward following his Champions League card accumulation ban.
Analysis: Thiaw has been an ever-present member of Newcastle's back line, so he'll aim to regain a starting spot in upcoming matchups at the expense of either Sven Botman or Alex Murphy. The regular center-back is in solid form with two goals over his last four games in addition to his averages of 4.5 clearances, 1.3 tackles and 1.0 interceptions per contest during that period.
Set for suspension
Thiaw will serve a one-match ban due to an accumulation of three yellow cards in the Champions League, the UEFA announced.
Analysis: Thiaw picked up his third yellow card in the Champions League and will be suspended for Tuesday's second leg against Qarabag. The center-back has been a locked-in starter along the back line for the Magpies, so his absence forces a defensive reshuffle for a high-stakes matchup. If Sven Botman (back) is cleared after his issues, he's the leading candidate to step into the starting XI and plug that gap.
Scores first UCL goal
Thiaw scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 6-1 win against Qarabag. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 76th minute.
Analysis: Already with four league goals to his name, Thiaw added his first Champions League strike this season, nodding home Trippier's pinpoint delivery. The center back has emerged as a consistent offensive weapon, netting twice in his last five outings while registering nine shots over that same span.
Scores opener Tuesday
Thiaw scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Tuesday's 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Thiaw opened up the scoring Tuesday with a close-range strike just before halftime. It marked his fourth goal of the season and his first since Jan. 4. He played well on the defensive end too as he made eight clearances, won five duels and blocked five shots in his full 90 minutes of action.
Scores goal in victory
Thiaw scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Thiaw sealed the win in the 78th minute by stabbing home after Bruno Guimaraes' corner caused a goalmouth scramble. Palace had defended well for long stretches, but they could not deal with the second phase of the set piece. Thiaw's finish removed the tension from the closing minutes and confirmed a 2-0 home win for the Magpies. The center-back was also impressive defensively, contributing 10 clearances, two blocks, and a season high five tackles, three of which were successful, to help Newcastle secure their first clean sheet since early November.
Season high 21 clearances
Thiaw generated 21 clearances in Sunday's 1-0 defeat versus Sunderland. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 95th minute.
Analysis: Thiaw delivered a season-high 21 clearances and won 11 of 13 aerial duels he faced in the loss, adding one block. He did not register a tackle, ending his streak of at least one tackle in each of his last seven matches across all competitions.
Nets brace in victory
Thiaw scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 4-1 victory against Everton.
Analysis: Thiaw scored his first Newcastle goal Saturday in their 4-1 win over Everton when he connected cleanly with a header resulting from a corner. The central defender also used his head to score the Magpies' fourth goal which was again the product of a corner routine. Thiaw has played every minute of Newcastle's last eight Premier League fixtures after being limited to just 93 minutes of play during their first five league matchups.
Maintains defensive role
Thiaw has started the last 12 matches for his new team, cementing his place in the center of defense.
Analysis: Thiaw entered the lineup following Fabian Schar's mid-September injury and kept the role even after the latter came back. He has started 12 straight matches across all competitions, recording 55 clearances, 22 interceptions and 14 tackles, and attempting 10 shots from set pieces without finding the net.
Start includes defensive excellence
Thiaw logged three interceptions, two clearances and one tackle won during Newcastle United's 2-0 win Sunday against Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: In between Aug. 15 and Sept. 14, the 2025-26 Premier League includes Thiaw's one appearance. It is not multiple because a then-relatively healthy Newcastle did not require him. But between September's second half and Saturday, a concussion affected Fabian Schar. In place of him, Newcastle used Thiaw. The healthy defender's post-injury stats include both 5.3 clearances per game and mostly clean sheets, defensive excellence.
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