Stephen Craigan labels Malik Tillman ‘really lethargic’ despite wonder goal v Motherwell
Malik Tillman provided a moment of inspiration for Rangers in their 2-1 win over Motherwell, but Stephen Craigan was still unimpressed with his overall performance.
After a nervy first half, Rangers took the lead v Motherwell after a brilliant solo effort from Tillman. The 20-year-old picked up the ball from distance and weaved his way through the defence before slotting home.
Following a dismal showing in the first 45 minutes, it was exactly what Rangers needed to break the deadlock. But despite his brilliant effort, ex-Motherwell defender Craigan was still critical of Tillman’s overall performance.
Speaking via BBC Sportsound (16 October), Craigan said: “When Tillman picks the ball up, the last thing in my head is ‘he’s going to score’.
“There has to be someone to professionally foul him. Pull him back, push him over.
“We said Rangers needed an inspiration. He hasn’t been great, he’s been really lethargic, but he’s produced the big moment.”
Glimpses of promise
There’s no denying that Tillman has often been poor for Rangers, and his decision-making at times has certainly warranted criticism.
But there’s a reason that Giovanni van Bronckhorst has kept faith in the 20-year-old Bayern Munich loanee, and that’s his undeniable talent and technical ability.
His skill on the ball is dazzling at times, and he just needs a little bit of help to decide when to make a mazy run and when to simply offload the ball to a teammate.
But generally, his creativity and goal threat is perfect for Rangers in games where they are struggling to carve out chances and unlock a defence. Motherwell were proving to be a frustrating opponent on Sunday afternoon, but Tillman was the difference shortly after the break.
Hopefully his goal gives him plenty of confidence moving forward and he can start to produce more moments like that in blue. Van Bronckhorst needs to work on his decision-making, and then Gers have a real star on their hands.
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