Rangers midfielder Malik Tillman has suggested that he sees his future at Ibrox amid a successful spell on loan from Bayern Munich as he talks comparisons to Germany legend Michael Ballack.
The 20-year-old midfielder has shown in flashes the kind of quality that he can bring to the Ibrox side ever since signing the year long loan with option-to-buy in the summer.
Rangers will reportedly have to spend around £5m to make the deal permanent and it’s a move which has been personally endorsed by incoming Ibrox manager Michael Beale.
It was Beale too who made the comparisons between Tillman and Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Germany legend Michael Ballack, the Englishman speaking after Malik managed to net a double in the 3-0 friendly run over Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen earlier in the month.
Beale was remarkably complementary of Tillman and claimed that Scottish football is lucky to have a player of the young man’s talents turning out in the game.
Malik Tillman “loves” Rangers and points to future stay
Such has been the German-born American International’s early success at Ibrox has some asking whether or not his future may lie at a higher level than that in Govan.
But in a recent interview, the talented Bayern Munich loanee has reaffirmed his commitment to Rangers and his love of the club, whilst suggesting that Ibrox is the best place for him to develop his football.
“I think so, yes,” said Tillman.
“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.
“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.”
“First of all I think we had some good games with Gio as well, 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.”
Regarding the Michael Ballack comparisons, Tillman said:
“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, to 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.”
Meanwhile, Rangers are yet to open contract talks with a soon to be out-of-contract first-teamer.
