Bayern Munich’s German-American Star Timothy Tillman Is Turning Heads

Bayern Munich’s under-19 squad have begun the season in much the same way their senior counterparts have: in imperious, stormtrooper-like fashion, winning games by comfortable scorelines. They’ve picked up six points from six in the UEFA Youth League and recently rolled over Atletico Madrid in Spain.

This should come as no surprise; Bayern’s youth teams excelling is a regular story. The club prides itself on producing and developing talent and will frequently promote from within.

It would be dishonest to suggest they rear every young talent given a chance from the very start—some, such as David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich, are purchased in their mid-to-late teens—but the academy is a consistent conveyor belt of young stars.

These first two UEFA Youth League games have paved the path for another to emerge: 17-year-old Timothy Tillman. The young attacking midfielder was purchased from Greuther Furth in 2015 for €500,000, and he’s shone so far in the under-19 bracket despite possessing two years less experience than most.

Jose Felix Diaz of Spanish daily Marca linked him to Real Madrid. To have Bayern poach you one summer, then arguably the biggest club in the world linked to you a year later, is indicative of serious skill and talent.

He got a mini run-out during the International Champions Cup this summer, playing 45 minutes against Inter Milan, as Carlo Ancelotti ran the rule over his ability firsthand. It’s all looking very good for the latest German-American prodigy.

Quick feet, mazy dribbles

Tillman is an inherently positive player with the ball at his feet. In the UEFA Youth League this season, he’s played on both flanks, but it doesn’t really matter where he receives the ball—he’ll push forward and look to commit defenders regardless.

Despite playing against opponents up to two years older than him, he backs himself to get the better of them. His quick feet can mesmerise defenders, and his feints and shimmies often create avenues to dribble through.

It’s in tight spaces that he does his best work; he seems …

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