Newcastle United - what is success this season?
Newcastle United latest news: Julian Nagelsmann has praised Malick Thiaw’s form at Newcastle United ahead of his first Germany call up in two years.
Julian Naglesmann has spoken about his decision to call up Malick Thiaw to the German national team for the first time under his management.
The former AC Milan defender has impressed whilst at Newcastle United following his move from the San Siro during the summer with his form finally being recognised on the international stage. Although the Magpies have stuttered in the Premier League of late and have lost twice in a row on the road, Thiaw has been among their top performers in both of those matches as he continues to impress on Tyneside.
The 24-year-old had been a target for Newcastle United for over a year before they finally agreed a deal with AC Milan this summer, one that could see them pay up to £35m in all for the defender. Speaking last month, Eddie Howe admitted that getting a deal for Thiaw over the line had not been easy, but that he was delighted to finally get his man.
“Malick was a player we'd known for a long, long time and we'd made various attempts to try and sign him and it hadn't quite worked out in previous windows,” Howe revealed.
“This window, it felt like everything might align a bit better in terms of his situation at his club, our need, available funds, there's a lot that goes into it and thankfully that was the case.
“It wasn't an easy transfer to complete. He's obviously very highly rated but I think I said a couple of weeks ago we were delighted to see off any other suitors and finally get him. It felt like a long pursuit but certainly worth the wait.”
Julian Nagelsmann on why Malick Thiaw ‘deserves’ Germany call-up
Thiaw’s impressive form at club level has brought with it a first call-up to the German national team in over two years. Thiaw’s last appearance for his country came in October 2023 as Germany drew 2-2 with Mexico in a friendly match.
Thiaw has never made a competitive appearance for his nation, with his other two caps for Germany coming in June 2023 and friendly games with Poland and Colombia. However, that could change in the coming days when Germany face Luxembourg and Slovakia in World Cup qualifiers this month.
On recalling Thiaw to the team,Nagelsmann said: “Malick has stabilized and is doing very well as a regular starter at Newcastle. He wasn't with us for a long time, partly because he hadn't played much in Milan for six months. He deserves to be back.”
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Thiaw will also be joined by his Magpies teammate Nick Woltemade on international duty this week. Woltemade has enjoyed a similarly impressive start to life at St James’ Park following his big-money move from Stuttgart this summer, although he has now gone three games without a goal for his club and has netted just once in his last six appearances in all competitions.
Woltemade, though, did score his first-ever international goal during the last international break with his strike helping Germany overcome Northern Ireland in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Belfast.
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