Chelsea could face a major defensive dilemma in January, and according to former Stamford Bridge star Shaun Wright-Phillips, Malick Thiaw is the one player they should try to sign.
The Newcastle United defender has been nothing short of sensational since joining the Magpies from AC Milan during the summer transfer window. Wright-Phillips did not hold back in highlighting Thiaw’s emergence as one of the Premier League’s most promising centre-backs.
Speaking to Best Betting Sites, the former Chelsea winger was asked which player he would target if he could sign anyone in the January window. His answer was immediate, and there was no hesitation: “It would be almost impossible, but if I could have anyone right now, it would be Malick Thiaw from Newcastle United.”
The statement alone speaks volumes about the impact Thiaw has had in his first few months on Tyneside. The 23-year-old joined Newcastle for just £30 million, a figure that now looks like an absolute bargain considering his performances.
Previously, Thiaw had been largely a squad player at AC Milan, making occasional appearances but never establishing himself as a key starter. At St James’ Park, however, Eddie Howe has transformed the German defender into a pillar of Newcastle’s backline, showcasing maturity, composure, and intelligence well beyond his years.
Shaun Wright-Phillips praised Thiaw’s consistency and understanding of the game, pointing out his positional awareness and ability to read danger before it arises. “He does everything right,” Wright-Phillips said.
“When low crosses come into the box, he always seems to be in the perfect position. You can see he’s thinking one step ahead, which is exactly what you want from a centre-back.”
What makes Thiaw’s rise even more impressive is that he has returned to the German national team after a hiatus of over two years. His performances at Newcastle have reignited his international career, and he is now being considered a reliable option for Germany’s defensive setups.
That speaks not only to his natural talent but also to the environment Eddie Howe has created at Newcastle. The manager has a reputation for improving players and getting the best out of them, and Thiaw’s progress is the perfect example.
Wright-Phillips admitted he hadn’t known much about Thiaw before his move to Newcastle. “I hadn’t heard too much about him before he arrived, but since he’s joined, he’s established himself as one of the first names on Eddie Howe’s teamsheet. He’s been exceptional, and you can see why he’s drawing attention from big clubs already,” he said.
The former Chelsea star also highlighted Thiaw’s apparent maturity and experience despite his relatively young age. “Obviously, Chelsea need experienced defenders too, but the beauty of Thiaw is that he already plays as if he’s seasoned.
He makes the right decisions, rarely overcommits, and shows an intelligence on the ball that you can’t teach. For a team looking to solidify their backline, he’s exactly the kind of player you want.”
Thiaw’s rise has not gone unnoticed by the wider footballing world. Analysts, journalists, and fans alike have praised his composure under pressure, his aerial presence, and his calmness on the ball.
Newcastle’s defensive record has improved markedly with him at the heart of the defence, and his ability to anticipate attacks has helped the Magpies secure points even against technically superior sides.
From a broader perspective, Wright-Phillips’ comments underline the growing recognition Newcastle are receiving for their recruitment and coaching. Signing Thiaw has already proven to be a masterstroke by Eddie Howe and the club’s hierarchy.
The fact that a former Chelsea star is publicly advocating for his signing illustrates the kind of impact he is having not just on Newcastle, but across the Premier League.
Fans and pundits alike should see this as a huge compliment to both the player and the club. Thiaw’s performances are a reminder of how well Newcastle have been scouting talent and developing players in recent years.
Each positive mention from respected figures in football enhances his profile, and while it is still early in his career, Thiaw is rapidly becoming a player capable of commanding attention from Europe’s elite teams.
In many ways, the conversation about Thiaw also reflects a larger trend in football: clubs chasing young, intelligent defenders who can combine physicality with tactical awareness.
He ticks both boxes, offering not only defensive solidity but also composure on the ball, making him adaptable to different playing styles and formations.
Ultimately, the admiration from Shaun Wright-Phillips is a strong indicator of Malick Thiaw’s quality. It also highlights Newcastle’s success in unearthing a player who had not yet fully realized his potential at AC Milan.
Howe’s influence has been crucial, and it would not be surprising if January sees Thiaw drawing serious interest from multiple top clubs, Chelsea included. The German defender’s combination of youth, skill, and football intelligence makes him a highly valuable asset, one that could shape the fortunes of whichever club manages to secure his signature in the near future.
