Newcastle United beat Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League in midweek, and face Premier League Nottingham Forest next.
Few players have looked this at home, so quickly at Newcastle United, than Malick Thiaw.
The big German defender has slotted into the Magpies’ back four seamlessly since arriving from AC Milan. And while it took him a little while to establish his place in the side, when given the opportunity, he’s grasped it with both hands.
And it seems in the Champions League – he was as cool, calm and composed at St James’ Park against Barcelona, then slick and effortless over in Brussels this week – is where he’s looked most at home.
That’s something not lost on NUFC fans, who made their feelings clear on the centre-half at the end of the 4-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
Newcastle United fans make new Malick Thiaw chant
As the players went over to the 1,200 fans penned in behind the goal, a song broke out, one dedicated to former AC Milan man Thiaw.
To the tune of Bella Ciao, fans sung the words: “Malick Thiaw, Malick Thiaw, Malick Thiaw, Thiaw, Thiaw. Came from Milano, to play with Sandro and he f-ck-ng loves the Toon.”
Realising the song was directed at the defender, skipper Bruno Guimaraes thrust the player towards the away fans, which can be seen on the above video at the top of this story. It was a classy gesture by the Brazilian.
And the moment did not get lost on Thiaw either. The defender took to social media this week to pen a special thanks to the travelling Toon Army for their support.
He wrote on his Instagram: “My heart is full of love for you Geordies.”
Eddie Howe makes Malick Thiaw admission
“Malick, again, he’s come into the football club and the biggest compliment I can pay him is he’s settled in really quickly,” Eddie Howe told NewcastleWorld. “He’s looked at home with his teammates. He’s been excellent in training.
“Now obviously the challenge for him was to wait for his opportunity because Sven and Dan started the season and our defensive record and the defensive performances were excellent. So there was a period where he had to be patient and wait and he did and he was absolutely fine.
Of course then the challenge is when the opportunity arises, you’ve got to come in and grab it and I think he’s done that. I’m very pleased with him today. As I said, him and Sven are building a good relationship and the use of the ball was at the highest level today.”
Leave a Reply