With a superb pass, Malik Tillman was at the base of the equalizer. It was one of many attacks set up by the U.S. international on Tuesday night. The statistics confirm what it also saw: Malik played a hell of a game.
Attacking duels
"He was so good, it was almost scary," head coach Peter Bosz described his midfielder after the European game. The 21-year-old stood out with his stabbing passes, drive forward and individual actions. The 'Team USA' international entered ten attacking duels with his London opponents, the highest number in the PSV squad.
Passing
Passing the ball with the outside of his foot, sending a beautiful cross or finding a teammate with a far kick: Malik showed himself to be a good playmaker against the Premier League club. On several occasions, Malik put his fellow players in promising positions. Thus, with a beautiful deep pass he was the basis of the goal of Yorbe Vertessen. Despite his substitution in the 85th minute, his 28 sent passes were the most of any midfielder or attacker. 82% of them reached a fellow player and 32% were sent to the main force's attacking line.
Ball possession through interception
Not only offensively, but also defensively Malik made his mark. Four times he won back possession of the ball for PSV with an interception, which was the highest number of the evening after Mauro Júnior and André Ramalho (both five times). The young American fought four defensive duels and did so flawlessly. He won them all and did not commit a single foul in the process.
