Malick Thiaw
NEW
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Aug 8, 2001 (25)
Right
6'4"
176 lb
Busy defensively in 1-0 loss
Thiaw had three clearancesand two interceptions in Saturday's 1-0 loss against Aston Villa. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 86th minute.
Analysis: Thiaw continued his run of playing 90 minutes for Newcastle and has played every minute in the Premier League so far. He was busy defensively, making four blocks, three clearances, and two interceptions, but he did receive his first yellow card of the season, committing two fouls for the first time this campaign.
Keeps clean sheet for Germany
Thiaw played the full 90 minutes and helped Germany keep a clean sheet in Thursday's 2-0 Nations League win over Serbia, marking his first competitive start at senior international level, according to the club.
Analysis: Thiaw completed the full match at center-back as Germany held Serbia scoreless, making the most of his first competitive international start. The defender has also established himself as an undisputed starter for Newcastle, playing every minute of the club's first five Premier League matches this season. Thiaw has recorded 35 clearances and two interceptions over that stretch, underlining his consistent role at the heart of the defense.
Makes 11 clearances
Thiaw generated 11 clearancesand one interception in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Hull City.
Analysis: Thiaw stayed active in the back Saturday, finishing with 11 clearances, a blocked shot, and three aerials won in the victory. Even with that workload, his overall impact hasn't matched expectations, with nine goals conceded across five appearances. Individually, he's produced two interceptions, eight blocked shots, and 18 aerials won, but the unit's inconsistency continues to drag down his defensive influence.
Nine clearances in loss
Thiaw had nine clearances and one interception in Monday's 4-1 defeat to Leeds United.
Analysis: Thiaw was tasked with everything in the backline throughout Monday's loss. He piled on nine clearances and it still wasn't enough to keep the game even reasonably close. It was a disappointing showing from start-to-finish and sends Newcastle back to the drawing board after such a one-sided loss.
Scores own goal in draw
Thiaw had an own goal and three clearances in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Thiaw inadvertently turned Alex Scott's cross into his own net in the 35th minute, deflecting the ball in after Justin Kluivert's shot had rebounded off both the post and Lukas Hornicek, to double Bournemouth's lead in what proved the most damaging moment of the match for Newcastle. He recovered composure after the own goal and made three clearances in the second half as Newcastle controlled large spells of possession. Thiaw has now started all three of Newcastle's Premier League fixtures this season and his own goal was the only blot on an otherwise composed defensive display.
Busy defensively
Thiaw recorded nine clearances in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Liverpool.
Analysis: Thiaw was busy throughout Sunday's draw, sweeping everything up at the back and in the end making nine clearances. He likely won't need to handle that sort of volume in the coming weeks, but it's an excellent start to the season against a tough opponent.
Ends tournament on pitch
Thiaw recorded one clearance in Monday's 1-1 (5-4) penalty shootout loss versus Paraguay.
Analysis: Thiaw got some time in the final minutes of Monday's match, as he entered with 10 minutes to play in extra time. He would only touch the ball a few times, with seven passes completed and one clearance. This suited the defender for much of the tournament, as he would only feature twice for 40 minutes of play, earning two tackles and two clearances.
Plays first World Cup minutes
Thiaw registered two tackles (two won) and one clearance in Thursday's 2-1 defeat against Ecuador.
Analysis: Thiaw entered for Joshua Kimmich in the 60th minute with Germany looking to regain control after Enner Valencia's equalizer had leveled the match at 1-1. He joined a back line that ultimately couldn't keep out Gonzalo Plata's 77th minute winner, which came after Kevin Rodriguez won the initial header in the buildup. Germany wrapped up the group stage with a 2-1 defeat but had already punched their ticket to the Round of 32 thanks to their win over Ivory Coast. Thiaw remains third in the center-back pecking order behind Jonathan Tah and Antonio Rudiger, with Nico Schlotterbeck (ankle) sidelined for the remainder of the tournament.
Eligible 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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