The Carabao Cup often provides a welcome break from the intense pressure of the Premier League. For a big club, it’s a chance to rotate the squad, give some players a rest, and allow others to step into the spotlight.
For Newcastle United, their recent match against Bradford City was exactly that kind of occasion. While the opponent was from a lower division, the comfortable victory did more than just secure a place in the next round.
It offered a clear and encouraging look at the depth and quality that manager Eddie Howe is building within his squad.
After a summer filled with uncertainty, particularly around the future of Alexander Isak, the performance was a reassuring sign of the team’s strength.
One of the biggest stories of the night was the performance of William Osula. The young Danish striker had a summer of his own drama, coming very close to leaving the club after a formal offer arrived from German side Eintracht Frankfurt.
On deadline day, it seemed his future was elsewhere, but the deal ultimately fell through. While some at the club might have wondered about the financials, manager Eddie Howe may now be quietly pleased that Osula stayed.
The 22-year-old rewarded that faith by scoring two goals against Bradford, taking his tally for the season to three. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but it showed significant improvement from a player who spent much of last season on the fringes.
Howe himself praised Osula for “slowly but surely” improving his all-around game. For a team competing in multiple tournaments, having a reliable and hungry backup striker is incredibly valuable.
However, while Osula’s goals grabbed the headlines, another summer signing delivered a performance that might have even greater significance for the team’s long-term future. That player is defender Malick Thiaw.
The German centre-back, signed from AC Milan for a substantial fee, put in a display that was both solid and sophisticated. Against Bradford, he was a picture of composure, showing exactly why Howe was so keen to bring him to Tyneside.
His performance was so complete that it has led to serious discussion about whether he should start in the upcoming big Premier League match against Arsenal.
Thiaw’s game is built on a foundation of exceptional technical skill, particularly with the ball at his feet. Statistics show that he ranks among the very best defenders in Europe when it comes to completing passes and, more importantly, making progressive passes that move the team forward into attacking positions.
He doesn’t just pass the ball sideways; he looks to break lines and start attacks, a quality that is highly prized in the modern game.
The table below breaks down his specific contributions from the Bradford match, illustrating his dominance and efficiency.
| Match Stat | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 90′ |
| Touches | 82 |
| Accurate Passes | 67/70 (96%) |
| Long Balls | 5/6 |
| Tackles | 1 |
| Interceptions | 3 |
| Clearances | 4 |
| Ground Duels Won | 1/2 |
| Aerial Duels Won | 2/2 |
As the data shows, Thiaw was incredibly secure in possession, misplacing only three passes all game. He was also effective in defence, making clearances and interceptions when needed.
This combination of defensive reliability and ball-playing elegance is what makes him such an exciting prospect. He has been described as a “monster in the air” by some observers, but his game is about much more than just physical power.
The arrival of Thiaw signals a potential shift in Newcastle’s defensive lineup. For years, the partnership of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn has been a pillar of the team, and they have performed admirably.
But in Thiaw and the returning Sven Botman, Eddie Howe now has the option of a younger, more dynamic central defensive partnership. This duo has the potential to be the foundation of the team for many seasons to come.
Thiaw’s performance against Bradford suggests he is ready for that responsibility now. While it might be too early to call him undroppable, it is clear that he is pushing hard for a regular starting spot.
So, as Newcastle prepares for the tough challenge of facing Arsenal, Eddie Howe has some positive decisions to make.
William Osula has proven he can be a reliable option off the bench or in cup competitions. But the emergence of Malick Thiaw is the bigger story. His performance was a statement.
It showed a player who is not just adapting to English football, but one who is ready to excel in it. The Carabao Cup win was about more than just progression; it was a glimpse into a future where players like Thiaw are central to Newcastle’s ambitions of reaching even greater heights.
