Malick Thiaw: German media spot on about Newcastle star's display vs Serbia

Malick Thiaw has been praised by German media after a strong performance for his national team amid some mixed form for Newcastle.

Thiaw has continued as a regular in Newcastle's starting eleven this season following the arrival of Matthias Jaissle.

The Magpies have enjoyed a relatively strong start to the campaign, sitting ninth in the Premier League as it stands.

Thiaw, 25, has impressed at times, but also struggled in certain games as Newcastle look to outscore teams under Jaissle.

He has returned to the German national team following Jurgen Klopp's appointment, and put in a great display for his country on Thursday.

Thiaw will hope to take his fine form back to Tyneside as Newcastle aim to continue moving up the table under Jaissle.

Malick Thiaw 'proves his worth' to Germany in Serbia victory

Thiaw made his eighth appearance for his country as they beat Serbia 2-0 in their third Nations League A fixture of this campaign.

He lined up alongside Waldemar Anton at centre-back as Tom Bischof and Florian Wirtz scored either side of half-time.

The 25-year-old took the second-most touches (108) of any player, while he completed the second-most (92/96) passes too, behind Aleksandar Pavlovic.

Thiaw created a chance from centre-back, but did miss a big chance to score, while he made six ball recoveries, won one of two attempted ground duels and won six of eight aerial duels.

It was certainly a fine display as Germany kept their first clean sheet in eight games, with national media praising his performance after full time.

AbsolutFussball wrote: "He frequently joined in the build-up play, pushing forward and driving the ball deep into the opposition’s half. He defended aggressively high up the pitch and shone with several astute interceptions. In the absence of the injured Schlotterbeck, he was keen to prove his worth – and certainly put in a strong case for his next call-up."

While SPORT1 said: "He was always close to his man, occasionally defending deep into the Serbian half, and was also strong in the air. He largely left the build-up play to Anton. Like Anton, he didn’t have to do anything out of the ordinary."

Stats show how Nick Woltemade struggled in Germany win

Thiaw was not the only Newcastle player in the Germany eleven on Thursday, as Woltemade started alongside Wirtz in attack.

The 24-year-old, who has scored once in four appearances on loan at Juventus, missed two big chances to extend his country's lead in his 77 minutes on the pitch against Serbia.

He completed one successful dribble from three attempts, made one ball recovery and won one aerial duel throughout the clash too.

Woltemade will certainly need to improve to join Thiaw in Jaissle's plans upon his return from Turin.