The goal came in the 54th minute of the game at Fir Park and it was exactly what was needed as Malik Tillman inspired Rangers into the lead over Motherwell.
The USA international attacker took half the pitch in his stride, with five players left in the trail behind. He closed in on Liam Kelly with the net gaping and duly tucked the ball home.
It was an emphatic impact, highlighting the capability of the Bayern Munich loanee.
Malik Tillman put Rangers ahead at Fir Park 🔥pic.twitter.com/n10vd067ac
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) October 16, 2022
Tillman told Sky Sports on his goal, post-match:
“I think it was a pretty nice one. Obviously, it’s nice to help the team get the win. The team comes first always.”
Form
This game was another mixed bag for the German-American, who featured on the left of Rangers midfield three in the first half, before switching to the right after the break. He is more than capable with the ball at his feet but needs to do more in the rough and tumble of typical Scottish Premiership games. Again on Sunday, he was in and out of the contest.
His application hasn’t quite been there recently – he’s not the only one – but we also have to remember that this is his first season as a first team player.
There will be inconsistency and that is another challenge for Tillman who has to find a way to put his mark on this Rangers team and the league. He has undoubted potential with several attributes already shown in glimpses since his Summer arrival but can he put it all together as well as Gio van Bronckhorst getting the best out of him? That very much remains to be seen.
The 20-year old should not be carrying the burden as Rangers main attacking asset from midfield but there is an expectation, rightly, that he does contribute his fair share.
More impacts like the stunning strike against Motherwell will go a long way toward that.