Imminent Rangers signing Malik Tillman has revealed he's leaned on Robert Lewandowski personally tutored him at Bayern Munich.
The Ibrox side will make the USA international their latest capture signing having already snapped up Antonio Colak, Tom Lawrence and Rabbi Matondo as well as John Souttar. And 20-year-old Tillman - who has played both in midfield and attack under the guidance of Miroslav Klose - is thankful for the world's best No.9 for his key guidance.
Tillman said: "Lewy’s numbers speak for themselves. You can learn a lot from him. For example, his ambition and his professionalism. He always gives 100 per cent and he has also helped a young player like me in my development. Outside of Bayern, I like to watch Paul Pogba. I really like his style of play and I also learn a thing or two from him.
"I still have a long way to go to make it as a player and I still have to work on myself a lot. I changed from being a midfielder to a striker when I was coached by Miroslav Klose. Basically, I'm versatile. I prefer to play as a No.10. But I will play where the coach needs me.
"Unfortunately, last season I suffered a cruciate injury and that hampered my progress. It was a setback at first, but I worked hard on myself and now I'm trying to take the chance again." And Bayern boss Nagelsmann revealed recently why he has huge hopes of Tillman being a big star in the future.
He said: "He's a highly talented striker. He has unbelievable qualities when it comes to scoring goals. He has the gift of being able to make space for himself. There are aspects of his game he can improve, such as he needs to be more active in pressing. But I predict a great future for him. Malik is a player who will make his mark in the game.
"He is technically and physically strong and his ability to assert himself in one-on-one situations makes him very dangerous. He keeps his calm and composure in front of the goal. Physically, he is surprisingly robust too.
"For him, it's now about working hard on himself every day and drawing attention to himself with good performances and goals."
However, Tillman caused a stir in Germany last season when he switched allegiances to the USA and was capped after previously stating: "I grew up here in Germany and have always lived here. It's always a privilege to be able to play for Germany. It's a special honour to wear the eagle on my chest and I will always give my all for the team."
Germany Under 21s boss Antonio Di Salvo was stunned having watched him score three goals for his team in just four appearances.
He said: "We very much regret Malik's decision and it surprised us a lot. We encouraged him as a younger player in the Under 21s, placed a lot of trust in him and gave him match practice. We also had intensive discussions about his prospects up to the senior national team."
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