Jack Ross has heaped praise on Rangers star Malik Tillman for his assist on Sky Sports that saw Alfredo Morelos score the winner at Ibrox on Thursday, comparing the USA international to a player the club sold in the summer – Joe Aribo.
Tillman, 20, laid on two assists on Thursday night as Rangers came from behind twice to win 3-2 in Michael Beale’s first game in charge. Ryan Porteous, who has been linked with a move to Ibrox, opened the scoring for Hibs from a corner.
Fashion Sakala pegged Lee Johnson’s side back, only for Hibs to make it 2-1 moments later. Kevin Nisbet capitalising on some woeful Rangers defending to score in what was his return from injury – his first game since February for Hibs.
But in the second half, after a half-time teamtalk with Beale, Rangers were so much better. Tillman flicked on a James Tavernier corner for Ryan Jack to score – before a wonderful bit of footwork saw Morelos score. Ross gave his verdict.
“It’s finding exactly where to play for him. Similarities with Joe Aribo. He can play as a 10, or part of a front three. He is creative, runs behind the striker too. His feet within the box, decision making, awareness to find Morelos is fantastic.”
Ross compares fantastic Rangers star Tillman and Aribo
A wonderful second-half performance from Tillman – who was easily Rangers’ star man. The comparisons with Aribo are there for all to see. His ability on the ball, to go past a man, to score and create, the footwork. He has it all.
But the differences with Aribo are probably most evident in his first assist. Tillman is excellent in the air and he got above a Hibs defence that included Porterous, Paul Hanlon and Rocky Bushiri to flick a corner to Jack. Top display.
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