Oh wouldn’t it be glorious if Arsenal went back to Newcastle United to solve our defensive headache.
Malick Thiaw is the man who has been wearing the captains armband for Newcastle in preseason friendlies. It is expected that the German defender will take the armband full time following Bruno Guimaraes, and their fans are already celebrating him leading them into the “new era”.
But could Thiaw be the perfect defensive signing for Arsenal?
The Champions have been in the market for a central defender who can also play right back. We have been linked with the likes of Ezri Konsa already this summer as we look to sign someone who can come into the defence during William Saliba’s absence, whilst also offering cover for Jurrien Timber.
Ben White could be the ideal profile and it looks like he might be willing to remain at the club. But there are still concerns around his injury record. Those concerns, combined with some questionable performances from the defensive unit during pre-season, could lead Arsenal to still enter the market for a new defender.
The German international has many of the qualities that would make him attractive to Mikel Arteta.
At 6′ 4″, Thiaw is powerful, aggressive in the challenge and dominant in the air, while also possessing the athleticism required to defend in a high line. Thiaw is also an excellent passer and has also shown his leadership potential during his one season for Newcastle.
And there is another aspect of Thiaw’s game that should make him particularly attractive to Arsenal: his versatility.
Although primarily a centre-back, Thiaw has previously played at right-back and also has experience playing in defensive midfield earlier in his career. That background is important because it has helped him develop an understanding of different defensive responsibilities and positions on the pitch. Ideal for Arteta.
Arsenal defenders are often asked to do far more than simply defend. Full-backs can move into midfield or transition into a back 3. Centre-backs are expected to progress the ball whilst also cover out wide. Players must be comfortable changing positions during matches. Thiaw’s experience at right-back and defensive midfield means he has already had to understand the game from different perspectives.
Thiaw could potentially provide cover across the defensive line when injuries or suspensions strike. In a squad competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic competitions, that flexibility is incredibly valuable.
His physicality could be particularly important at Arsenal. Arteta’s team often pushes high up the pitch, leaving defenders exposed to counter-attacks. Arsenal therefore need centre-backs capable of defending large spaces and recovering quickly when opponents break forward. Thiaw’s combination of size, strength and mobility gives him the tools to do exactly that.
At just 25, Thiaw is still at an age where his best years could be ahead of him But he also has valuable experience at the highest level.
His time at AC Milan gave him exposure to Champions League football, while his move to Newcastle United has allowed him to experience the intensity and physicality of the Premier League. That combination could make him an ideal addition to Arsenal’s defensive unit.
Imagine having Saliba, Gabriel and Thiaw, alongside Cristhian Mosquera, competing for two starting centre-back positions, while also knowing that Thiaw has the experience to operate at right-back if required. That is the kind of defensive depth Arteta wants.
Of course, Newcastle would not make a player like Thiaw easy to sign after we snatched Bruno from them. But if we did, it would be absolutely priceless and they would need to issue flood warnings for the Tyne basin area, despite the UK being in a heatwave and drought.
What started off as a wind-up blog looking to catch a few Geordies with some bait has ended up with me convinced. Thiaw should be our number one target if we are looking for a new defender this summer.
And if it is not this summer, keep an eye on next. He could be the perfect man to come in if Saliba does not return back to his best following his back issue.
Keenos