Nagelsmann says Malik Tillman's presence not a stopgap: "We're talking about a top quality young striker"
Nineteen-year-old Malik Tillman made his sixth consecutive FC Bayern München bench squad on Friday night.
The German-American Nürnberg native also made his fourth consecutive appearance as a late-match substitute in the 4-0 Bayern victory.
In remarks prior to the match, FCB trainer Julian Nagelsmann hinted that the time may be coming for a player of great promise.
The German-American Nürnberg native also made his fourth consecutive appearance as a late-match substitute in the 4-0 Bayern victory.
In remarks prior to the match, FCB trainer Julian Nagelsmann hinted that the time may be coming for a player of great promise.
Tillman's presence in the Bayern bench squad owes much to the squad absences in recent weeks. In particular, the continued quarantine of back-up lead striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and the need for Jamal Musiala to move back to the six position with Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka out.
Nagelsmann nevertheless wished to emphasize in some pre-match comments that he liked the form and drive of the German-American, who has most recently been garnering significant playing time and success with the German U21s.
"He's definitely a player who's more and more becoming an alternative," Nagelsmann noted.
It remains true that all of Tillman's relief appearances have come after Bayern's starters had long decided the match. The FCB trainer nevertheless wished to emphasize that he wasn't throwing the teenager on the pitch merely as a way of killing time.
"He's not a blind sub," Nagelsmann emphasized, "We're talking about a top quality young striker. I'd also trust his use when things are not settled on the pitch."
