Tillman’s playing time masks Bayer Leverkusen’s biggest flop

Malik Tillman has featured in four of Bayer Leverkusen’s six league matches this season, yet the United States forward is being described as the biggest loser of the club’s start, after a weak debut year and ongoing speculation about his future.

From transfer target to doubtful starter

After a disappointing first season at Bayer Leverkusen, Tillman was monitored by several clubs during the summer and even hinted publicly at a possible exit from the Rhineland. He told an interview that, had Kasper Hjulmand remained Bayer’s head coach, he would certainly have left.

Instead, the American stayed on under Hjulmand’s successor, Carles Martinez, hoping to revive his fortunes, but his impact has been modest so far.

Statistical shortcomings underline the struggle

In the midfield centre, Tillman’s duel‑win rate stands at 44.7 per cent, the lowest among his Bayer teammates. Robert Andrich records the next‑lowest rate at 50 per cent, still well ahead of Tillman.

His shooting and chance‑creation figures also trail his peers, although his passing accuracy of 88.4 per cent remains a bright spot.

Sport director Simon Rolfes highlighted that Leverkusen delivered its most “concentrated, consistent” performance of the season in the match where Tillman spent the full ninety minutes on the bench, underscoring his limited influence.

With the international break approaching and four consecutive English‑league weeks thereafter, Tillman will need to improve his contributions or accept that the issue may lie more with his own performance than with the coaching staff.