Rangers star and USA international Malik Tillman has certainly caught the eye ever since returning to the Ibrox squad following the World Cup.
The Bayern Munich loanee netted a double in a 3-0 warm up friendly win over Bayer Leverkusen whilst the midfielder played a hugely influential role in the club’s 3-2 win over Hibs.
Nodding on the corner for Ryan Jack’s equaliser, the attacking midfielder also dribbled past several defenders to square to Alfredo Morelos for the eventual winner.
And setting up winners is something Malik Tillman is growing accustomed to at Rangers with the attacking midfielder also digging out the cross which eventually brought Scott Arfield’s late winner against Aberdeen.
Completing an injury time turnaround, Rangers miraculously scored twice in the added period but had it not been for Tillman’s patience and persistence we might not be talking about the victory.
It’s contributed to growing positivity around the player at Rangers, with manager Michael Beale insisting the club should exercise their loan-to-buy option for 20-year-old from Bayern Munich.
Malik Tillman Rangers form grabs USA attentions
The player’s early form after the tournament in Qatar has also caught the eye of disgruntled USA supporters, who are starting to think Malik Tillman should have travelled with their country to the Middle East.
Gregg Berhalter left both of Rangers’ American players at home, with James Sands joining Malik Tillman in watching the USA on TV.
Several high profile USA fan accounts on social media have begun to tail the Rangers talent and a clear resentment is growing that the potentially match winning midfielder wasn’t included in the nation’s squad.
The USA crashed out at the Last 16 stage with a whimper in a 3-1 defeat to the Netherlands after finishing second in a tough Group B, behind England but ahead of Iran and Wales.
The USA’s loss is certainly Rangers’ gain as Malik Tillman begins to find his form at Ibrox under Michael Beale.
But with this form will come glaring eyes from elsewhere and Rangers will be hoping to make their option-to-buy arrangement with the German born USA star permanent in the summer.
Since joining on loan from Bayern Munich in the summer, Malik Tillman has played 25 games, scoring four goals and laying on five assists.
Here’s what Malik Tillman has also had to say about staying at Rangers.