Giovanni van Bronckhorst must play Malik Tillman more centrally after Rangers defeat v Liverpool
Malik Tillman began his Rangers career in a positive manner but he is currently being hung out to dry by Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
He was not alone in struggling in Rangers’ Champions League defeat to Liverpool, with the majority of the Gers players, apart from Allan McGregor putting in sub-par performances. Ultimately, Jurgen Klopp’s side had far too much quality on the night.
The Light Blues now face a tough task to continue their European run into the new year, with three defeats on the spin in their first Champions League campaign in 12 years. Tillman was yet again operating in a wider role and really struggled to make any sort of impact. However, this cannot come as a surprise to van Bronckhorst.
Above is Tillman’s heat map from the Gers’ defeat last night [4 October] and it accurately represents the lack of impact that he had on the game. He rarely received the ball and didn’t drift into central areas, where he can be more dangerous.
His attacking numbers during the fixture were non-existent, with the 20-year-old failing to manage one cross, successful dribble or touch in the penalty area [Wyscout].
Obviously, there is the caveat of Rangers playing against one of the best teams in Europe, but to be so ineffectual is a big concern for Tillman moving forward. His display last night should now mean van Bronckhorst looks to deploy the American in a more central role where he has proven he can be a threat.
The heatmap above is from his second-half cameo against Hearts, where he managed to get an assist and made a much bigger impact with more shots, more dribbles and five times as many touches in the opposition box, compared to his performance at Anfield.
Playing more centrally is clearly where Tillman is more comfortable and far more effective. It is time for American to be given a settled run in the number ten role.
The heat map below displays his overall position so far in the 2022/23 season. He hasn’t been allowed to settle and he and the team are suffering because of it.
Let’s all hope that he is given the chance to play a free role behind the striker in the Gers’ next domestic fixture against St. Mirren on Satuday [8 October].
In other Rangers news, Steve McManaman slaughters Borna Barisic for what he did in the first half of Rangers vs Liverpool