On another day, Malik Tillman might’ve had a hattrick of assists v Aberdeen, now he faces Rangers fan scrutiny heading into the Scottish Cup clash with Celtic.
There’s a suggestion that the 20-year-old Bayern loanee is all fur coat and no knickers when it comes to the Scottish Premiership, with fans waiting for a stand-out showing in a big match.
They’re all big at Ibrox of course, and the attacking midfielder’s impressive return of 12 goals shouldn’t go unrecognised, but at £5m Malik Tillman needs to show he can inflict damage on Celtic to win over some fans.
It’s somewhat unfair for the USA international, who has largely been the only bright spark in a season devoid of them at Rangers.
Signed on an exclusive option-to-buy loan, Michael Beale is clear he wants Malik Tillman to stick around but there are plenty of Ibrox fans out there who remain unconvinced.
Malik Tillman needs big Celtic showing
The reported fee involved is a substantial outlay ahead of a summer that will demand big investment but when you look at the kid’s return, and his obvious talent, £5m doesn’t seem all that much.
But for Rangers if they are to swallow up a chunk of the budget on the player then the club’s fans need to see that he can deliver on the big stage to get the naysayers off his back.
Against Aberdeen, it was Malik Tillman who teed up Fashion Sakala, only for the Zambian to roll the ball right at Kelle Roos whilst clean through on goal.
It was Malik Tillman who laid off Borna Barisic, only for the Croatian to hit the post, and it was Malik Tillman who slipped in Rabbi Matondo, only for the winger to clip the woodwork himself.
Malik Tillman cannot subscribe for his profligate teammates but Rangers fans want to see a matchwinner take the reins and take the game to Celtic at Hampden.
If Tillman cannot be that man, expect the groans around a potential investment in the player to get louder as the club’s fans become more and more disillusioned with an underperforming squad.
