John Lundstram's Malik Tillman Rangers plea shows 'lifting up' is key to success

John Lundstram epitomises the commitment of the stands on the pitch for many and even after a below-standard run of form recently, never hides away.

This assuming of responsibility and midfield bite has connected him with the support in a relatively short space of time, given he was yet to convince many at this point last year.

“It can be a daunting pressure on people. I've learned to grow into it now,” he said of settling in at Ibrox speaking to UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett recently.

"At first, I was set back at how big the fanbase was, but I think I've grown into it now, whereas at the start, I was a bit taken aback, the pressure was a bit for much for me.

“If you are a weak individual, the fanbase, when they do turn against you it can take some people under. Good players can come to Rangers and not play as well as what they think they can because the fanbase is so demanding.”

Lundstram is an example of the reality that adjusting to life at Rangers can take time. Even if some, a certain Antonio Colak comes to mind, may prove an exception to that rule.

Malik Tillman has a foot in both camps as we edge towards the World Cup break and a pause to the chaotic schedule since July. The 20-year-old was influential in both qualifiers as Rangers reached the Champions League. Since, his domestic form has wavered and involvement varied.

Saturday’s emphatic win against Aberdeen, the best performance by Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side this season, captured the diversity of opinion that surrounds the Bayern Munich loanee. For some, including this writer, he was excellent. For others, while impactful, elements of his performance warranted criticism.

That’s why Lundstram’s comments, given his own experience, are significant.

“He’s massive for us and he’s a young kid. People need to stick behind him, lift him up and encourage him,” he said following Saturday’s 4-1 win.

“Tell him how good he can be and how good he is. Because he’s phenomenal, his talent is up there with one of the best young talents I’ve seen. Stick with him, rather than saying he needs to be dropped if he has one bad game.”

READ MORE: How Rangers overwhelmed Aberdeen with tactical tinkering, Tillman's runs and intensity

Tillman had made a literal handful of professional appearances before arriving in Glasgow this summer. And, in keeping with every young player in the history of football, will have bad games. Who has not? That realisation should be a pre-requisite.

Given Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi and Alex Lowry are all injured, the midfielder has been forced to assume responsibility and expectations quickly. He’s also looked uncomfortable playing from the right-hand side and been thrust into high-octane matches, such as the Old Firm tie and Champions League encounter at Anfield. Players far more experienced have struggled with the intensity such matches demand.

Questions regarding his work rate have some foundations. Van Bronckhrost himself cited this in a recent press conference.

“You always have those moments as a young player. I think he started really well, he had a moment when he wasn't at the levels we wanted but he's coming back,” he said.

“I can see a difference in Malik's play. It was a really good goal he scored but also defensively he's taking responsibility. That's part of the game he needs to develop but he's in a much better place than he was a couple of weeks ago and he's in a good place to continue his improvement.”

Few would deny that Tillman arrived ready-made. Particularly off the ball, he has lacked application in patches. And yet, nobody in the squad has made more possession-adjusted pressures per 90 ( the number of times a player pressures an opponent, adjusted to possession) domestically.

Similarly, only Rabbi Matondo has averaged a higher number of counterpressures (an attempt to regain the ball within five seconds of a turnover) or pressure regains (winning the ball back within five seconds of a teammate pressurising their opponent).

The numbers show that while he may still be adjusting to the responsibility his manager references, Tillman is not slacking off the ball.

His on-ball contribution is highlighted in the below StatsBomb radar. Remember, the closer to the boundaries the better.

What does this radar tell you? The four key statistics which see Tillman in the 90th percentile, xG, xG/Shot, Touches in the opposition box and successful dribbles, outline his best strengths.

He can create, as demonstrated by the opening goal on Saturday, but brings a genuine goal threat. With the ability to run beyond the striker, occupy the box and beat his man. This will be crucial throughout the season against set defences that require one-on-one threats to create the space necessary for chances.

Another important statistic in the above radar is the number of 90s played – 7.4. It’s imperative to consider the fact that while Rangers need Tillman to be ready now given the lack of midfield fixing this summer, he remains in the very infancy of his professional career.

Lundstram’s impassioned response speaks to his own experience and offers a cold analysis of Tillman's situation. Rangers have a hugely talented young player who can make a significant impact this season. Theoretically, after responding following a difficult spell, he should only improve from here.

But it will likely not be without bumps and inconsistencies and according to his teammate, it is encouragement that can alleviate such spells.