Malik Tillman can lead line for Rangers against Celtic in Old Firm clash
Malik Tillman will be a crucial player for Rangers on Saturday 08 April when Rangers travel across Glasgow to face Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Michael Beale will be aiming to get the better of Celtic for the first time in his third attempt, this Saturday and the key to that may be to deploy Tillman in the false nine role.
There are questions against the US international in this fixture after two disappointing performances so far this season, that is just one of the solutions that Beale has to find.
Last weekend, the German-American provided a timely reminder of his significant ability and possible influence when he proved to be the game-changer against Dundee United. His double strike proved to be the difference, with the opener coming after fine work with Todd Cantwell in and around the box.
Tillman lasted an hour in his derby debut back in September. Rangers were blown away, on the end of another sore one at Parkhead. 4-0. The Bayern Munich loanee had no real impact on the game and again in the New Year contest at Ibrox, he didn’t quite have the desired impact in the 2-2 draw.
The League Cup final in February came against the backdrop of Tillman just returning from injury. He started but did not finish that game though maybe some slack can be allowed due to the context.
That must change this time around off the back of the very good recent form, he must take that into the big game but where should Beale utilise one of his most dangerous assets?
There are legitimate questions about Tillman’s work rate in the heat of the Old Firm cauldron. Also, should he play off the right or predominantly through the middle in the ’10’ role? There is little justification for him playing from a deeper midfield berth so he will feature at the top of the pitch.
One other option is that Beale could deploy Tillman as a ‘false nine’. He is capable of it, in a similar way to how Joe Aribo finished last season. Why would he do this? It would allow the likes of Kent and possibly Sakala to occupy wide positions, especially off the ball. There are questions about Alfredo Morelos’ impact in this game whilst Antonio Colak is a very unlikely starter.
It would be a big call to omit Morelos from the start but Rangers are probably not getting enough just now from the Colombian. Tillman up top would mean effectively playing without a recognised striker but with the players mentioned above, including Cantwell, there will be plenty of attacking power at Beale’s disposal.
It would be a bold call from the manager but a curve ball that could go some way to earning the Old Firm bragging rights for the first time this season.
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.