Malik Tillman scores the winning goal for Rangers against Hearts but suffers World Cup heartbreak with the USA despite reports to the contrary.
The German-born USA international is growing in stature at Ibrox and has been a key player producing big moments all season long despite his tender age of 20.
Highly-rated in the European game, Tillman’s breakthrough at Bayern last season is a testament to his talent and Rangers have an option-to-buy the kid at the end of the season.
Against Hearts, the attacking midfielder slipped the ball into the back of the net after some excellent work from Ryan Kent to score the only goal of the game and secure a vital three points.
If Malik Tillman continues to produce big moments for Rangers then the club will surely activate this option as his experiences at international, domestic and European level continue to see him grow as a player.
Admittedly, the player has been inconsistent at times with Rangers fans frustrated with a perceived lack of application and as Tillman develops we’re sure this side of his game will as well.
Rangers star Tillman and Sands miss out on USA World Cup squad
Despite his development at Rangers over the last few months, Malik Tillman will not add be adding to his four USA caps at the World Cup in Qatar.
The Bayern Munich loanee has not been selected in Gregg Berhalter’s World Cup squad and neither has fellow USA Ibrox loanee James Sands.
Both players have missed out on selection for the tournament and it will serve as a bitter disappointment given they are regularly in and out of selections for the country.
But with Malik Tillman only 20 and James Sands 22, there is still plenty of time for them to showcase their qualities on the international stage with the next World Cup set to take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Interestingly, the news comes amid reported leaks in the USA camp which had appeared to claim that Malik Tillman would be included in the country’s World Cup squad.
It goes to show you that not everything that happens online is to be trusted and despite reputable outlets covering the story, they got it wrong with the USA now set to head to the Middle East without either of their Loan Rangers.
Meanwhile, a once £7m-rated striker has handed in a transfer request amid links to Rangers.