Originally published at: https://www.rangersnews.uk/news/rangers-fans-react-as-captain-tavernier-rejoices-and-praises-teammate/
James Tavernier hasn’t always been universally popular at Ibrox. When things have went wrong this season, he has taken a lot of flak. It hasn’t all been plain sailing for Tav. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) Of course, as captain you are more culpable for collective poor performance than any other. Yet, some of the…
I’m afraid he still isn’t universally popular with me! The “Ballerina” is good going forward, but defends poorly against stronger and more physical teams. Watch the second half against Aberdeen earlier this month and see him jump away from tackles, then shout at Ross McCrorie for one bad pass.
Jordan, if he plays, play him forward and get a proper right back to do the defending.
Also get a captain with the balls to tackle and lead by example.
Sorry, he’s going to be a liability in big games…Dundee don’t have anything to expose him!!
I get that he isn’t necessarily a tough tackling, old school defender - but in my opinion, so much of the criticism is unwarranted.
At Aberdeen, clearly he was at fault for the penalty, but when push comes to shove I don’t think he’s exposed that often defensively. Take the Old Firm in December - he was outstanding in that game. Tackled well, read the game superbly tracking back to stop counterattacks etc. There was no shying away then.
Rangers don’t actually have an alternative at the minute, either. No one can tell me Flanagan is good enough and Polster isn’t fit yet/is unproven.
He’s been a part of five consecutive clean sheets, plays almost every minute and has directly brought about 22 goals in the league this season. Not sure he could be doing any more.