Malick Thiaw

Malick Thiaw is one of the more physically imposing defenders in German football — tall, aggressive in the air, and comfortable stepping out to press — qualities that earned him a move from Schalke's academy system to AC Milan in 2022. He developed steadily in Serie A, showing the composure to hold his own in a back four under pressure, before Newcastle secured his signature in 2025. Still only 24, Thiaw is at an earlier stage of international integration than Germany's established centre-backs, but his athleticism and left-footedness give the squad genuine defensive versatility heading into the tournament.