Keith Jackson admits Malik Tillman could become liability for Rangers v Celtic in Old Firm
Keith Jackson believes that Malik Tillman could become a “liability” for Rangers when they travel to fierce rivals Celtic this Saturday (8 April).
Tillman, 20, netted a magnificent brace to help Michael Beale maintain his unbeaten record in the Scottish Premiership during the 2-0 win over Dundee United on Saturday (1 April), three points that kept the Gers nine points behind their Old Firm rivals.
Writing in his daily column for the Daily Record, Jackson admired the game-changing ability of the Bayern Munich loanee – who Rangers have the option to buy for a meagre fee of £5million – but questioned whether the sporadic nature of his game could leave gaps in the Rangers’ midfield for Celtic to expose.
He wrote: “Because Tillman at the top of his game could be a potential match-winner. And yet, conversely, he might also be such a luxury that he becomes a liability and a passenger that Rangers cannot possibly afford to carry across to the other side of the city.
“As absurd as it may sound, if Beale subscribes to the commonly held belief that the first rule of beating Celtic is to match their levels of energy and industry then it could be that Tillman might be better sitting this one out, from the start at least.
“Tillman tends to do his damage in sporadic bursts of high intensity dynamism. In between times, there are moments when it seems as if breaking into a jog might bring about the end of him. And yet it’s this languid, unhurried approach which makes him such a uniquely dangerous attacker.
“The question is, can Beale really afford to throw the dice on him when so very much is at stake?”
Selection dilemma
Beale faces a number of selection dilemmas in the build-up to facing Celtic this week, but none more so than Tillman.
In an otherwise drab performance, two pieces of quality from the midfielder were enough to help the Gers take all three points against Dundee United, and he would be extremely unlucky to lose his spot in the starting line-up after such a performance.
The debate all hinges on whether Beale wishes to impose his game plan on Ange Postecoglou’s side or whether he looks to limit the Hoops in the opening stages and open the game up as it progresses.
If his plan is the former, playing Tillman is a necessity, while the latter could potentially end up with Tillman starting on the bench and a more industrious midfield being selected.
The Viaplay Cup final in February was plain evidence of how Celtic can dominate a game of football through their midfield trio.
If Rangers hope to stand any chance of taking down their noisy rivals, bringing this dynamic trio to a halt is necessary, with Tillman or not.
In other Rangers news, another Ibrox exit may be on the cards after a major revelation last week which could force the clubs to part ways with a senior player.