Michael Beale could pull Malik Tillman shock for Rangers at Parkhead

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Michael Beale could pull Malik Tillman shock for Rangers at Parkhead
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 09: Malik Tillman of Rangers in action during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Rangers FC and Heart of Midlothian at on November 09, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

Yesterday Ibrox Noise posited the big striking dilemma between Antonio Colak and Alfredo Morelos that faces Rangers manager Michael Beale.

While some wide-eyed optimistic suggestions hoped for both of the Ibrox pair, that isn’t something that will ever happen under this manager, or, probably, any manager, so it’s a moot point.

And where we will discuss the results of your responses later, equally another idea has popped up which is popular with quite a few, and may even be an answer Ibrox Noise could endorse as well as placing a bet on the Rangers, should Michael Beale go for it.

Malik Tillman as a false 9.

It’s not a bad idea, is it. He’s got talent with his head, he’s smart on the ball, and he can absolutely score with the best of them.

The point of a false 9 is basically deception – it’s an attacking midfielder who can double up as a striker, but isn’t positioned as one, meaning it’s hard to mark and deal with.

We tried it a long time ago with Joe Aribo, and it wasn’t bad – it wasn’t great, but it wasn’t bad – Aribo, sadly, was a bit overrated and not as good a player as we had all believed, that’s been borne out in England.

But the idea is a sound one and we feel Tillman could play the role. Can he hold the ball up? No, just not big and strong enough. Is he good in the air? For scoring yes, laying off, not so sure. So he probably can’t be an actual striker.

But he can fill the gaps – he can surprise defenders with his runs, his positioning, and his close control, and his deft touches can fool many a backline as well.

Add his ability to score goals onto this and you have the recipe for a perfect false 9.

Now, do Rangers fans mean instead of Colak/Morelos? Possibly – we’re not completely sure if they want Kent left, Sakala right, Tillman central and Cantwell behind him, or Tillman and one of the strikers with Sakala removed.

That is a matter of debate.

But what is clear is it could be an idea worth trying. We’re just not so sure a colossal Old Firm with this much riding on it for Rangers is the one to experiment with the notion….

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  1. It’s an interesting conversation , if he does play he needs to start and get the full idea of what is required. He has a tendency to be a little sluggish especially in OF games which is not ideal given how they come out of the traps . Beale will only play 1 upfront and Tillman maybe a luxury we can’t afford . One things for certain everyman in our colours has to deliver this win .

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