Name: Malick Thiaw
Nationality:
Age: 19
Club: Schalke 04
Position: CB / RB / LB
Foot: Right
Matches: 13
Goals & Assists: 1 0

Schalke have had a torrid season currently bottom of the table with only 9 points from 21 games with a rare highlight being Thiaw emerging

Thiaw is comfortable in possession but he prefers to use his passing ability rather than bringing the ball forward. He has good strength which helps to hold off pressing defenders. Should he develop this side further this will add to his flexibility as an FB option.

Aerially Thiaw is strong & at 6'4 winning a high proportion at CB. He demonstrates good aggression & positional sense to place himself in the best position to win the duel or at the very least compete & apply pressure to the attacker.

Thiaw is utilised at corners in the role as a man marker & zonally for FKs. He has the awareness to position himself so that he is free at FKs anticipating the flight of the ball & good aggression attacking the delivery. Thiaw's a strong marker often preventing the attacker

Attacking set pieces Thiaw's used as the main target to attack the ball & challenge the GK or push the ball back across the area. Thiaw at set pieces demonstrates good movement & strength to evade his marker but given his ability to get in front of his marker could score more.

Thiaw's a very good distributor of the ball & demonstrates a varied array of passes. Thiaw has vision & ability to distribute between the lines or down the channels. Should he improve on the accuracy of his long passing he would be very effective in transition & probing defenders

Thiaw has great flexibility defensively having played across the defensive line this term. Thiaw uses his strength & pace in 1v1 situations in an attempt to unbalance the attacker & regain possession. Although can mistime tackles leading to fouls or caught out of position

Thiaw is a very intriguing prospect & one which could have many suitors in the summer with Schalke's problems. With his attributes physically, technically & mentally would ideally be a very smart move for a team looking to push for EL football & keen to develop young talent