Barry Ferguson backs Michael Beale pursuit of Malik Tillman on permanent deal for Rangers
Barry Ferguson has backed Michael Beale’s wish to sign Malik Tillman permanently for Rangers and feels he could be “a hell of a player”.
The youngster has had a hot and cold Rangers career so far since joining on loan from Bayern Munich in the summer, but took on a leading role and scored twice in the win over Leverkusen in Beale’s first game in charge.
That led to the boss admitting he wanted to make his loan move a permanent one, and Ferguson told his Daily Record column (14 December) that he feels there is even more to come from the American and Beale could be the man to unlock that.
“I can fully understand while Beale made an immediate point of expressing his desire to sign the young American on a permanent deal because he has the potential to be everything you’d want in an attacking midfield player,” he said.
“The ability is there, without doubt. Great technique, physical presence and he’s good in the air as well. Yet there have been times when I’ve looked at him and thought: ‘C’mon, you’ve got more to give.’
“If Michael Beale can unlock Tillman’s full potential, Rangers have got a hell of a player on their hands.
“I was interested to hear the manager say that fitness levels will have to improve and Tillman is one who seemed to fade out of games after an hour or so.
“I’m sure there will be a lot of work done on the training ground to try to make him a 90-minute asset.”
Quality
Rangers always have had that talent with a bit of X-factor in their squad to help get them over the line in tough games, and Tillman is that man in this squad.
Ryan Kent held that role for a while under Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst, but his form over the last 12 months has been poor and he’s lost that spot now.
Tillman possesses fantastic technical quality but he also has brilliant physical attributes that mean he can compete against any opposition no matter what type of game it is.
He’s still young and if he can develop that talent into a consistent performer, then Rangers will have a superstar on their hands who they could eventually sell for a huge profit to help bolster their side.
For now though the focus must be on getting the best out of the whole team, and Tillman has the ability to be a big part of that in the second half of this season and beyond.
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