Watch out Gio Reyna! Why Malik Tilman’s ‘big ceiling’ could see PSV loanee win USMNT battle with Borussia Dortmund playmaker

The United States international is still tied to Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich for now, but has been catching the eye away from the Allianz Arena. He impressed during a loan spell at Scottish heavyweights Rangers last season, and is now thriving alongside fellow countrymen Ricardo Pepi and Sergino Dest at PSV.

Tillman is just 21 years of age, which places him into the same talent bracket at Reyna – who has been struggling for form and fitness at Borussia Dortmund. His stock will continue to soar, as more admiring glances are shot in his direction, with the plan being to earn the trust of coaches with club and country.

American tactician Marsch – who has worked in MLS, the Bundesliga and Premier League – has told the ‘Call It What You Want' podcast for CBS Sports of Tillman: “I like that he can play on the wing – on the left or the right – he can play as a 10 on the left or the right, so his flexibility and where he fits into the game wherever they play him, he’s performing at a very high level right now and finding a lot of these moments where he can get away from a defender and then slide balls to guys running through with dangerous passes. He did it in the Champions League against Arsenal and now in the game against AZ Alkmaar. I think he has a big ceiling. I think that his flexibility, along with his athleticism – his ability to press and run, his cleverness with the ball, his technical ability, he’s really got a full package of talent. The more that he continues to integrate within the national team, he’s going to become a big player.”

Tillman was born in Germany and represented them through to U21 level. He is now up to eight senior caps for the United States and will be hoping that his versatility delivers regulars outings for the USMNT in 2024 as they ready themselves for CONCACAF Nations League and Copa America action.