Eddie Howe was absolutely delighted with Malick Thiaw’s performance for Newcastle United against Fulham.
Thiaw has hit the ground running at Newcastle United and was crucial in their victory over Marco Silva’s side on Saturday.
Indeed, Bruno Guimaraes scored a late winner for Newcastle United against Fulham to give Howe a crucial victory.
His side have flattered to deceive in the Premier League this season and while they weren’t at their best, Thiaw proved brilliant again.
Even when Newcastle were pushing in the final 20 minutes of the game, the German international kept things tight at the back with some crucial interceptions.
Without him, Howe’s side risked leaving the back door open. As is often becoming the case with Thiaw, the Newcastle United manager was effusive in his praise after the game.
Malick Thiaw playing for Newcastle United against Fulham in the Premier League.
Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Howe was asked just how important Thiaw was during the win over the Cottagers.
Given the late drama of the win, the defender’s contribution perhaps threatened to be overlooked.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
Still, when asked about the former AC Milan defender, Howe said: “I thought he gave a great performance in that moment because we were on top, but it only takes one slip from a defender to cost you – especially with the pace that Fulham had in their attack today.
“So, I was very pleased with all the defenders in terms of limiting their counter-attack situations and Malick in particular, as you say, dealt with some tricky situations really well.”
How much did Newcastle United pay for Malick Thiaw?
Newcastle paid an initial £30million to sign Thiaw from AC Milan, although it’s thought that the deal could rise up to around £34.3million.
Even if the criteria for various add-ons are met and the fee reaches the maximum amount, it still feels remarkably cheap. The club appear to have struck gold here, finally signing the defender they had been looking for since the summer of 2024. Marc Guehi was a target back then but Thiaw has made that saga a thing of the past.
Thiaw has been one of Newcastle’s best players this season and will surely only get better the longer he works with Howe and the rest of his coaching staff.
Nick Woltemade may be the standout piece of business Newcastle completed during a difficult summer transfer window but the speed with which Thiaw has adapted to life at the club is not to be overlooked.