USMNT star Malik Tillman in ‘have to do more’ admission after €35m transfer - with Bayer Leverkusen playmaker explaining his best position

USMNT star Malik Tillman admits that he has to “do more” on the back of his €35 million (£31m/$41m) transfer to Bayer Leverkusen. The 23-year-old midfielder has opened his goal account for new employers, with his best position being explained, but acknowledges the need to deliver end product after being acquired by Bundesliga giants to provide a creative spark.

Title-winning spell enjoyed in the Netherlands
Tillman, who was born in Nuremberg and graduated out of Bayern Munich’s academy system, finds himself back in Germany after a couple of productive Eredivisie title-winning campaigns with PSV in the Netherlands.

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Tillman provides useful goal threat
His goal threat was highlighted there, posting a personal-best return of 16 efforts last season, but saw his start to life in Leverkusen hampered by Gold Cup duty with the United States and an untimely calf injury.
Tillman eager to be involved all over the pitch
Tillman was back on target for Leverkusen in their 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, as he lined up against international team-mate Gio Reyna, and told BILD of making an impact from the No.6 role: “I actually want to participate in the game as much as possible, so I was a bit deeper, simply more involved in the whole build-up play. But I also want to be a goal threat, and the further forward I am, the easier it is to be a goal threat.”

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Back in Germany: How Tillman has adjusted
Tillman added on settling into life at Leverkusen and his hopes for the immediate future: “Actually, the adjustment isn't too difficult, I'd say. Sure, it's different. The pace of the game is different, the tackling is tough, but I think I'm ready for it; I can keep up.
“I'm not yet satisfied with what I've shown so far. I know I can do more, I know I have to do more. That, too, will come with time.”
World Cup reward: Tillman has all to play for
Tillman has been used as a No.10 by the USMNT, which could be considered his best position, but the all-action playmaker will be happy to line up anywhere for club and country in a season that has a home World Cup reward at the end of it.