Moving to a new football club is always a big step, but moving to a new league in a different country is a challenge on a whole other level.
For Malick Thiaw, the German defender who recently signed for Newcastle United from the famous Italian club AC Milan, this new chapter in England has already been an eye-opening experience.
He is settling into life on Tyneside, getting to know his new teammates, and learning the unique demands of the Premier League. And according to the player himself, there is one aspect of English football that has really taken him by surprise since he arrived.
Thiaw is a modern, technical defender who has played at a high level in Serie A, a league known for its tactical discipline and structured approach.
So, the sheer physical nature of the Premier League has been a noticeable change. He has specifically mentioned his surprise at the number of long balls that are played. In his first few matches, against teams like Liverpool and Bournemouth, he found himself in a constant aerial battle.
The ball seems to spend a lot more time in the air, and defenders are tested physically over and over again.
For a player who considers himself physical, this is not a problem, but it is certainly a different style of game that requires quick adaptation.
He noted that matches become tough fights for “second balls,” where winning the initial header is only the first part of the contest.
But Thiaw did not come to England just to observe the differences. He came to play. He made it very clear that he left a club like AC Milan, with its historic San Siro stadium and Champions League nights, with the intention of being a regular starter for Newcastle.
He understands that competition for places is fierce. The manager, Eddie Howe, has a long list of talented center-backs to choose from, including popular and experienced players like Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Sven Botman, and captain Jamaal Lascelles.
Thiaw knows that earning a spot will not be easy, but he is ready for the fight. He got his first taste of action coming off the bench in the goalless draw against Bournemouth, and he is determined to make the most of every opportunity.
His attitude towards the manager’s decisions is both patient and ambitious. He stated plainly, “As a player I came to play.”
However, he also shows a great deal of respect for the coach and the process. He knows that first, he needs to adapt to the team’s tactics, to the pace of the league, and to his new surroundings.
He is a flexible player, comfortable in a traditional back four but also able to slot into a three-man defense, as he did against Bournemouth.
This willingness to fit into the manager’s plan is a good sign for his future at the club. He is not demanding anything; he is working hard and waiting for his chance to prove himself on a consistent basis.
Despite Newcastle’s somewhat mixed start to the season, with just one win in their first five league games, Thiaw remains optimistic about the team’s future.
He sees the draw against Bournemouth as a solid defensive performance, a point earned through hard work and resilience. He believes the team has a strong mentality and that the focus should be on improving the small details that turn draws into wins.
For him, this is just the beginning of a long journey, and he is confident that the team will get better and better as the season progresses. The foundation, in his eyes, is there.
The immediate focus now shifts from the league to the cup. Newcastle are the defending champions of the Carabao Cup, and manager Eddie Howe has emphasized that he will be taking the next match against Bradford City with the utmost seriousness.
Howe has warned his players not to look ahead to the big league game against Arsenal at the weekend.
Bradford, who are top of their league, are a dangerous opponent, and the cup competition is a priority. For a player like Malick Thiaw, this cup game could be another perfect opportunity to show the manager and the fans what he can bring to the team.
He has adapted to the long balls, he is ready for the physical fight, and most importantly, he is here to play. His journey in English football is just getting started, and he seems determined to make it a success.
