Malick Thiaw’s impressive debut in Europe feels like a distant memory now. He rose to fame quickly, but recently, his fortunes have taken a downturn. The young defender made a significant impact when he faced Tottenham in 2023, helping AC Milan return to the top eight in Europe for the first time in 11 years. For many fans, those matches against Spurs and stars like Harry Kane showcased his potential as a formidable player. However, as time has passed in Milan, his ascent has been followed by a downturn, culminating in a disappointing outing in his first league match of the new season under manager Paulo Fonseca.
Thiaw joined Milan in the summer of 2022, coming from Schalke 04 for around 5 million euros. At first, he struggled for minutes on the pitch, playing just four times in the league during the first half of the season. Slowly, he began to carve out a role for himself, eventually shining in the European clash against Tottenham. He seized the opportunity, firmly establishing himself in the team, often playing alongside Tomori in the heart of defense. His performances earned him call-ups to the German national team, following his leadership role with the Under-21s.
The 2023/24 season started positively for Thiaw as he secured a starting position, producing some solid displays alongside a few subpar performances. However, a major turning point came in November 2023 when he suffered a muscle injury against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League. This hamstring issue sidelined him for two and a half months, depriving Milan of a crucial player at a critical stage in the season. Thiaw exited the match in the 53rd minute with the score level at 1-1, just as Milan sought a vital victory. His absence was felt as the team conceded two more goals, losing 3-1 and complicating their path to the knockout stages.
When Thiaw returned to action in mid-February, the situation at Milan had changed dramatically. The club’s ambitions began to slip away, and so did his form. Although he maintained his place as a starter, without significant objectives in the league, the team struggled with focus and concentration. The arrival of Pavlovic, expected to partner with Tomori in defense, raised questions about Thiaw’s future, especially with interest from Newcastle brewing.
The most recent match against Torino turned out to be a low point for Thiaw. Despite high expectations, he delivered a performance to forget, marked by an own goal and poor communication with Theo during the build-up to Zapata’s second goal. This match highlighted the struggles he has faced since that glorious start in Milan and represents a puzzling decline.
To regain his form and reputation, Thiaw will need to make a swift and significant turnaround. He must find a way back to the level of those unforgettable Champions League nights, moments that now seem like mere memories.