Malik Tillman has been tipped to play an important role in the second half of the season for Rangers FC and the American midfielder wasted little time in answering that call on Thursday.
Tillman registered two assists to help Rangers complete a 3-2 comeback victory over Hibernian at Ibrox Stadium. The U.S. men’s national team attacker helped Michael Beale earn his first competitive victory as Rangers boss and keep the club’s pressure on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.
Ryan Porteous and Kevin Nisbet scored eight minutes apart for Hibernian as the visitors raced out to an early 2-1 advantage. Fashion Sakala tied things up for Rangers in the 15th minute, but Nisbet’s quick finish off the restart helped Hibernian swing momentum back into its favor.
Rangers responded in a big way in the second half as Tillman played a key role on both of the Glasgow side’s second-half goals. Tillman’s flicked header in the 58th minute was finished off by Ryan Jack to tie things up at 2-2.
Tillman helped Rangers complete the comeback in the 62nd minute as he danced his way into the Hibernian box before connecting with Alfredo Morelos for a one-time finish. It was a clever run and pass from Tillman, who found himself with ball possession in the first half.
The Bayern Munich loanee finished the match with nine of 17 duels won, three fouls drawn, three dribbles completed, and four chances created.
“I try to always have fun on the pitch, I am glad I could help the team,” Tillman said. “The manager found the right things to say at halftime and we were able to get the three points which we came here for.”
Rangers next visit Aberdeen on Tuesday before traveling to Ross County on Dec. 23.
Probably could have used Tillman in the WC.
Hopefully he continues to put in good performances. Don’t necessarily want him to stay at Rangers at the end of the season, but I do think he could put himself into the transfer window in the summer. Or who knows maybe Munich keep him and continue his transition to striker.
I thought he could have helped us. Roldan is…just not a World Cup-level player, and Luca de la Torre has had very few minutes with Celta Vigo – Luca probably needs to go back to the Dutch league, it’s where he was the most successful – and was coming off an injury to boot. I like Luca but he wasn’t going to be any help either; he just wasn’t in playing form. That left only Acosta – who is a situational guy, and a better 6 than 8 at the International level – and Aaronson as the only available subs behind MMA. Tillman’s raw but he’s got an insane amount of talent and could well be one of our top 2-3 guys next cycle. Tillman was probably the omission I liked least.
I like Tillman and think he’s got a bright future if he continues to progress. If Bayern don’t want him back I hope he’s loaned somewhere in the Bundasliga as I think he’s too good for the SPL.
The fact Gregg brought Roldan & Morris ahead of Tillman is pretty criminal. Both showed that they are were incapable of impacting/contributing at the CONCACAF level, so anyone who thought they could contribute at the WC Level were delusional. Tillman may not be a finished product, but he is the Equal of these of those guys and could have provide coverage at CM, W, or even CF. Add to that the experience he could have gained for the 2026 cycle and it’s another boneheaded decision by Gregg.