Week after week, it’s looking like Newcastle United’s summer transfer window was a resounding success on all fronts.
Alexander Isak is yet to really kick off at Liverpool, whilst his replacement in Nick Woltemade has already scored four goals across all competitions.
And that’s before you even to begin to mention our recruitments elsewhere in the squad, where Malick Thiaw is proving to the very best of a talented bunch.
The Germans look like they could be future stars in the making for both club and country, and their recent performances have attracted acclaim from their teammates.
Bruno reveals Thiaw surprise
Captain Bruno Guimaraes has expressed his pleasant surprise at just how good Malick Thiaw has been since arriving from AC Milan, hailing his quality on the ball, pace and football IQ.
Speaking after our 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, Bruno had big praise for the defender as recorded a fifth clean sheet in just seven league games, also hailing centre-back partner Sven Botman.
“What a player he (Thiaw) is! He surprised me a lot.
“He is very good with the ball, without the ball. He is quick, smart, breaking the lines.”
“Him and Sven are the future of this club. They’re very good. They’re very comfortable with the ball and don’t feel the pressure – they have been amazing together.”
Having been thrown into the deep end following Fabian Schar’s concussion-related injury, Thiaw has excelled at right centre back, and his partnership with Sven Botman is already amongst the very best the Premier League has to offer.
Woltemade wows Bruno
And the skipper also had huge praise for Thiaw’s compatriot, with both Bruno and Woltemade finding themselves on Sunday’s scoresheet.
After Isak’s departure left the squad crying out for a clinical striker, Woltemade has filled the void perhaps better than anyone expected him to.
Bruno has hailed the German’s touch, saying he’s never seen a player of his height and stature look so comfortable on the ball:
“Nick is showing his talent on the pitch. He’s scoring goals and is doing what the No 9 has to do. He’s doing his job very well. We are so pleased to have him with us.”
“He’s been amazing for us. He’s scoring, but it’s not just he’s scoring goals, in the build-up, the way he drops as a number ten to play, it’s not so common for a player that tall to be that good with his feet!
“I have never seen a player that tall be so good with the ball, controlling it and controlling the tempo. He can play as a midfielder to be fair!
“I’m pleased for him and it’s just the beginning. I hope he’s enjoying his journey here so far. I think he’s happy. Everyone in the club is happy, and most importantly, the fans are happy with him.”
In a normal season, Eddie Howe would have allowed Woltemade and Thiaw a bit more time to settle into the squad and get accustomed to our style of football. But it’s a testament to both players’ talent that the gaffer has handed them both consistent starts and opportunities.
