Tillman in the right place at the right time at Ibrox
American happy at Rangers after rising to the occasion in victory over Hibernian
MALIK TILLMAN saved the best for last on and off the park. His assist for the winning goal at Ibrox got supporters off their seats, while his final answer in the media room was just what they wanted to hear.
His manager will be just as happy as the fans. Michael Beale again lauded the influence and impact of Tillman in the aftermath of the 3- 2 victory over Hibernian and the early signs – regarding both the here and now and going forward – are more than promising for all concerned.
Beale was public in his desire to do a deal that will keep Tillman at Ibrox for the long term following the win against Bayer Leverkusen at the weekend. Quite simply, the American is Beale’s kind of player.
The technical ability is clear to see whenever Tillman is on the ball and his movement off it is just as impressive and important. He is naturally still a work in progress but Rangers have the chance to polish the rough edges and help the Bayern Munich loanee shine.
The man himself was asked about his position and his plans after a starring showing. He believes – as a short answer of “I think so, yes” confirmed as he rounded off his media duties – that he is in the right place at the right time to aid his development and he is open to a prolonged period working under Beale’s guidance.
“I think there have been some ups and downs but as I said before, I always try and give my best and keep improving the whole time,” Tillman said. “I came here to play as many games as I can.
“I love the club and everything around it, so we will see what will happen in the summer.”
It was a night that started in an inauspicious manner for Tillman. As Ryan Porteous rose unmarked inside the area to head Hibernian into an early lead, Tillman could only watch on before the inquest began amongst the Rangers defence.
From then on, it was all positive. His hand in the first Rangers goal was straightforward as he collected the loose ball and quickly moved it to Ryan Kent. One pass and a clinical low finish later and Beale had reason to celebrate.
It would take some time before the
Ibrox boss could savour the winning feeling, however. By the time the whistle had gone and the game had been won, the man who had inspired Rangers to victory was sitting behind his boss in the dugout.
Tillman’s assist for the second goal shifted the momentum as he flicked on a corner at the near post and Ryan Jack converted. Just minutes later, he showed speed of thought and movement as he jinked away from the Hibernian defence and set up Alfredo Morelos to win it for Rangers.
Beale spoke about freeing up Tillman in the second half against Hibernian and the tweaks he made to allow Rangers to get around the shape that had been set up to stifle them. The forward run in that phase was a sign of intent, the “fantastic” footwork a reminder of why Tillman can be a game- changer and match- winner.
“I think the first half we didn’t play at our level but in the second half we managed to score two goals obviously and get the win, so the second half I think we did a way better job than in the first half,” Tillman said.
“I stumbled a little bit [ before the assist] but I managed eventually to get the ball to Alfredo so I am happy for him as well for me and I am happy I could help the team.”
Tillman has all the attributes to become an integral part of Beale’s blueprint. He still lacks experience and nous at first- team level but the way he sees and plays the game sets him apart from the plethora of other midfield options that Beale has inherited from Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
Beale made the comparison to Michael Ballack following Tillman’s two goals against Leverkusen. It was a big statement to make about a 20- year- old but the hyperbole will not daunt Tillman.
The relationship between the pair remains embryonic. Over time, it will naturally grow and the words of wisdom from Beale will shape the career of a player who could yet become the full package for club and country.
“He is a very nice guy,” Tillman said of the manager who has spoken so effusively about him as well as name- dropping a former German great. “I heard that as well. First of all I am glad to hear that.
“I think we improved a lot as a team and yes, we have worked with him for two weeks and I think we still have to improve a lot and have to keep going and do the best we can as a team.
“I think it is a confidence boost [ to have the manager speaking
positively about me] but I always try to give 100 per cent either way and just enjoy the game and have fun on the pitch and try to help the team as best as I can. To be fair, I think Michael Ballack played at a time when I didn’t really realise who he was or how good he was. But obviously I know he is a German legend.
“I saw some clips but do be honest I did not realise just how good he was. I know he is a legend and he was a good player but I don’t really have any memories of him.”
Rather than looking to the past, all the focus must be on the future for Tillman. His first months at Ibrox were mixed as his form and fortunes fluctuated, and there is still a section of the support that needs convinced the midfielder has the ingrained mentality to match the natural ability.
Victory over Lee Johnson’s side saw Rangers reduce their arrears at the top of the table to six points as Beale got off and running as boss. Many more wins must follow in the coming weeks and Tillman will be central to those chances of success once again.
“First of all I think we had some good games with Gio as well,” Tillman said. “But obviously the last couple of weeks were a bit disappointing for all of us so we now have Michael on our side and I think everything is more lively in training, the intensity is higher than before. And everyone in the team is trying to give the best they can and try to win every game.”