Building a successful football team is a bit like putting together a complex puzzle. You need the right pieces in the right places, and every piece must fit perfectly with the others.
For Newcastle United, the journey from a team worried about relegation to one competing in the Champions League has been a masterclass in smart and strategic planning.
The club’s owners have not simply thrown money at the problem. Instead, they have made careful, calculated decisions in the transfer market, identifying specific players who fit a clear vision.
This thoughtful approach has allowed the team to grow in a sustainable way, overcoming obstacles and steadily improving year after year.
When you look at this successful rebuild, two names in the middle of the park immediately stand out as foundational pieces: Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Guimaraes was one of the first major signings of the new era, arriving from Lyon. He didn’t just bring skill; he brought a leader’s mentality and has since become the team’s captain.
He is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better, constantly looking to play forward, progressive passes that unlock stubborn defenses. His fitness is remarkable, rarely missing a game, and his influence on the team is immense.
Then there is Sandro Tonali. After a challenging first season adapting to English football, the Italian midfielder has truly arrived this year. He plays with a relentless energy and an incredible stamina that sets the tone for the entire team.
Alongside the powerful Joelinton, this trio has formed one of the most formidable midfields in the Premier League. They are tough, technically gifted, and possess the engine to dominate games.
The success of these signings is no accident. It is the result of a club that knows how to identify elite talent and then provide the environment for that talent to flourish.
However, the most exciting thing about a well-run club is that the good work never stops. Just when you think the puzzle is complete, they find another perfect piece.
This summer, while the signing of striker Nick Woltemade grabbed the biggest headlines, another arrival has quietly begun to look like one of the smartest pieces of business the club has ever done. That player is defender Malick Thiaw.
Signed from AC Milan for a fee of around £35 million, Thiaw did not have the same fanfare as some other arrivals. But from the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he has looked like a natural fit.
At 24 years old, he is a product of Schalke’s renowned youth academy, and he plays with a maturity and intelligence that belies his age. His reading of the game is exceptional; he seems to sense danger before it happens, positioning himself perfectly to cut out passes or make a crucial interception.
What makes Thiaw so impressive is the completeness of his game. He is strong in the tackle, composed on the ball, and has been described as a “monster in the air” for his ability to win aerial duels.
In a recent Champions League match against Union Saint-Gilloise, he was a rock at the back, winning all of his aerial challenges and completing over 90% of his passes. This ability to defend resolutely and then start attacks with calm, accurate passing is exactly what modern football demands from a top-level centre-back.
The statistics from his early performances at Newcastle help to illustrate his all-around impact:
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Duels Won | 63% |
| Clearances Per Match | 5 |
| Pass Completion | 91% (vs Union SG) |
| Aerial Duels Won | 3/3 (100% vs Union SG) |
Perhaps the most promising aspect of Thiaw’s signing is the context. Newcastle already had experienced defenders like Fabian Schar and Dan Burn.
This means there is no need to rush Thiaw or overplay him. He can be integrated into the team carefully, allowed to grow and adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League without the pressure of being the only option.
This thoughtful management will help him develop into the world-class asset he has the potential to become.
While the marquee signing of a striker is often what captures the imagination, the acquisition of a defender like Malick Thiaw can be just as transformative.
He cost roughly half the price of the club’s record signing, but his early impact suggests the value is extraordinary. He is solid, reliable, and plays with a quiet confidence that spreads throughout the entire backline.
In a team built on a strong foundation, adding a player like Thiaw doesn’t just patch a hole; it reinforces the entire structure. He may not always grab the headlines, but his consistent and classy performances are making it clear that he could well be remembered as one of the most astute signings of the entire PIF era.
