Let me start off by stating that I”m not saying that Rangers should sell James Tavernier nor that the player should be in a hurry to leave Ibrox.

I’ve just noticed in the past two seasons that Tavernier has improved greatly from the player that arrived from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2015.

The twenty-seven year old has always been very good going forward. He has a terrific eye for a goal, especially for a full-back. The defender has scored a remarkable 43 goals in 197 appearances for Rangers.

James will make himself available at every opportunity on the right flank when his team push forward. That was great in the Scottish Championship against weaker opposition.

But when Rangers won promotion back to the Scottish Premiership, the right-back was soon found wanting when his defensive duties were being called into question more often.

Tavernier just couldn’t seem to balance his defensive duty with his attacking prowess. He’d be caught out as he charged forward and he wasn’t helped by the fact Rangers lacked a solid defensive midfielder or a defensive minded winger to help him out.

I was very critical of Tavernier at this time. Mainly because I saw the potential in him and at times he’d show that he had it in him to do a job defensively but the issue was that mistakes would keep creeping in.

Things have changed in the last two seasons.

Former Gers boss Pedro Caixinha brought in Portuguese winger Daniel Candeias and he was a hard working wide player who would work back and win the ball further up the park too. Both Candieas and Tavernier formed a strong partnership on the Rangers right flank and that side soon became a dangerous area that would punish the opposition.

James would also become the Rangers captain and he has thrived with that added responsibility. He has become tougher in the tackle, more tenacious and he still has the ability to grab goals and set up chances for teammates.

Under current gaffer Steven Gerrard, James Tavernier has continued to impress and improve. The right-back has become one of the most consistent players in Scotland’s top flight.

The player clearly has a lot of affection for his current employers. He said this recently this:

“Rangers gave me a chance. The club have shown faith in me.

“I have been trying to repay that favour ever since, which means working harder, getting better and better.

“I love my football here, my family is settled and I am in a great place at the moment.”

Via Chronicle Live

I don’t think Tavernier is in a hurry to leave Govan but his performances have seen him linked with moves to English Premier League clubs Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion.

A few years ago I would have laughed at that kind of speculation but in fairness to James Tavernier the right-back has improved and has become a consistent performer.

I could definitely see him doing well at a mid-table Premier League side, if he were to eventually go there!

Posted on August 7th, 2019 by scott
Filed under: Article