Eddie Howe may have just introduced Newcastle United’s next long-term centre-back pairing.
During Wednesday night’s 4-1 Carabao Cup victory over Bradford City, fans saw a glimpse of what could be the future of the Magpies’ defence. Malick Thiaw, a £35 million summer signing from AC Milan, made his first start at St James’ Park, partnering Sven Botman at the heart of a back four. Dan Burn and Fabian Schär, who have been key figures in recent seasons, watched from the stands.
Burn and Schär have stepped up admirably during Botman’s injury absences, but with both defenders turning 34 this season and nearing the end of their contracts, their time as regular starters is naturally winding down. All clubs eventually need to transition from older players to younger talent, and Newcastle appears to be preparing for that shift.
While Burn and Schär still offer experience and depth, the emergence of Thiaw alongside Botman has increased internal competition likely raising performance levels across the board. However, the reality is that age will catch up with the veteran duo, and Newcastle seems well-positioned with a combined £70 million investment in Thiaw (24) and Botman (25), who are entering their peak years.
If they remain fit, the young centre-backs could form a solid defensive foundation for years to come.
The defensive future of Newcastle United
A gradual transition is already underway in Newcastle United’s defence, with Tino Livramento slowly taking over from Kieran Trippier at right-back. On the opposite flank, Lewis Hall has returned from a long injury and continues to impress, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most promising young left-backs.
Together with centre-backs Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman, the youthful quartet represents Newcastle’s potential long-term backline boasting an average age of just 23. This marks a notable drop from the previous back four of Trippier, Schär, Burn, and Livramento, whose average age was close to 31.
While Dan Burn is now available for selection again ahead of the upcoming clash with Arsenal at St James’ Park, it might still be some time before the younger defensive unit Hall, Livramento, Thiaw, and Botman features regularly as a full back four. However, their showing in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win over Bradford City gave fans a promising glimpse of what the future might look like.
Manager Eddie Howe praised the centre-back pairing after the match, telling The Gazette:
“It was a strong start for them as a partnership. I thought they played well at Bournemouth too, though that was in a slightly different system.
Tonight, they looked composed, used the ball intelligently, and showed real quality on the ball. They complement each other well and helped initiate a lot of our attacks in a calm and balanced manner. Most importantly, they defended solidly and I think they did that for most of the game.”
