Ernesto Valverde Makes Shocking Claim About Malick Thiaw — and Fans Surprisingly Agree

Ernesto Valverde Makes Shocking Claim About Malick Thiaw — and Fans Surprisingly Agree

In the aftermath of Athletic Bilbao’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, manager Ernesto Valverde made a surprising statement that has since stirred football discussions across both Spanish and English circles. The former Barcelona boss openly praised Newcastle’s young defender Malick Thiaw, calling him “one of the most complete centre-backs in Europe right now.” The remark, initially met with disbelief, has now gained traction as fans from both sides agree with Valverde’s assessment.

Valverde, who is widely respected for his tactical insight and calm demeanor, didn’t hold back in his post-match interview. “I’ve faced many defenders with great strength or positioning,” he said. “But Thiaw combines intelligence, power, and composure at a level that’s rare for a player his age. He reads the game two steps ahead. You can see why Newcastle look so solid defensively — he’s their foundation.”

Malick Thiaw, still only in his early 20s, joined Newcastle United during the summer transfer window and has quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s breakout stars. Against Athletic Bilbao, he was exceptional — dominating aerial duels, intercepting dangerous through balls, and even launching attacks from deep with confident ball progression. Despite Sandro Tonali being named the official Man of the Match, the Italian midfielder himself admitted post-game that Thiaw deserved the award more, a sentiment that echoed Valverde’s observation.

Fans from both clubs flooded social media with praise, agreeing wholeheartedly with the Spanish coach. One Bilbao supporter wrote, “When Valverde says something, it’s never empty talk. Thiaw was a wall — no one got past him.” Newcastle fans were equally vocal, with many calling him the “next great European defender.” On X (formerly Twitter), clips of Thiaw’s performance racked up thousands of views, showcasing his last-ditch tackles and calm distribution under pressure.

Valverde’s praise carries weight not just because of his status but because of his reputation for recognizing young talent early. During his time at Barcelona, he oversaw the development of players like Ansu Fati and Ronald Araújo — both of whom went on to become top-level defenders in La Liga. His endorsement of Thiaw, therefore, is seen as more than a mere compliment; it’s a professional acknowledgment of genuine world-class potential.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe also weighed in, expressing gratitude for Valverde’s words. “Coming from someone like Ernesto, that means a lot. Malik’s been immense since day one — humble, hungry, and committed to learning. He has all the traits to become one of the best.”

While Thiaw’s rise has been steady, this latest performance and the high-profile praise have elevated him into a new conversation — one that places him among Europe’s elite defenders. For fans, it’s not just about one great game but about a young player maturing into a leader at the heart of Newcastle’s backline.

Valverde’s claim may have shocked some initially, but as more fans and pundits replayed the match and analyzed Thiaw’s brilliance, the consensus became clear: the Spanish tactician was absolutely right. Malick Thiaw isn’t just good — he’s exceptional.