Another two assists and a marauding performance, James Tavernier is starting to look an upgrade on his former self.
The right-back set up two of Alfredo Morelos’ trio of goals at Rugby Park. However, his dominating presence and ability to get up and down the right will have had fans reminiscing of his first year under Mark Warburton.
There’s no doubting Tavernier has improved since then. However, there were clear similarities as he continues to grow into his captain’s role.
Defensively, the Englishman could still do a lot better. There were a few occasions where he was too easily beaten at Kilmarnock and struggled to recover. Generally though, Tavernier dealt well with the threat of Jordan Jones, and looked every bit a Rangers full-back.
The former Wigan man seems to have his confidence back, and is playing with a similar freedom that he did under Warburton several years ago.
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Supporters will remember some of the lovely tricks and touches Tavernier used to carry out in the Championship. Whilst those haven’t quite returned, it’s been replaced with a composure and maturity on the ball these days.
When in possession, you’ll consistently see the full-back looking up for options. Always looking to play a productive pass or look for space, Tavernier’s decision-making has grown leaps and bounds.
The Gerrard effect
Rangers supporters have always known Warburton’s man could be a real player, and it looks like Steven Gerrard is set to bring that out in him.
Being awarded the captain’s armband will just be the start of Tavernier’s new lease of Ibrox life. He’s been lauded as the best right-back in the country by most, and it’s easy to see why when you look at his recent displays.
He’s as athletic as he’s ever looked, whilst his crossing is as dangerous as it’s ever been. Tavernier may not be the goal-threat he was in the Championship. 12 goals and 18 assists shows you how much of a class above he was down there.
However, with three goals already this season, even that is something that could come out in him once again. The Premiership is still a league the right-back should be scoring in.
Tavernier has been through the roller-coaster journey at Rangers. He’s been called defensively poor, and had supporters on his back during tough periods.
However, it feels like he’s now been given a starring role to play in Gerrard’s new-look side, and he’s thriving in it.