James Tavernier has always been questioned during his time at Rangers, long before he was appointed as captain.
Philippe Clement has stuck by the much-maligned right-back despite fans being far from happy with his inclusion against Hearts, a decision that if the manager repeats it, could be costly.
Rangers opening goal came from Tavernier’s driven effort being turned in by Cyriel Dessers but it continues to be at the other end of the park where problems are being caused.
James Tavernier continues to suffer poor Rangers form
Having lost possession 15 times, Tavernier’s accurate pass percentage was just 72% before Neraysho Kasanwirjo replaced him.
The third game in a row that the captain has been replaced or started on the bench.
It wasn’t like the 33-year old was trying ambitious passes into the final third or intricate passes around the box, it was simple buildup passes out from the back under no real pressure.
With every pass that didn’t go to a teammate, the groans got louder.
The passing on its own was bad enough, however, Tavernier’s lack of recovery pace saw Hearts target the channel behind him on transition which is where most of their dangerous attacks came from.
It’s no coincidence that the arrival of Kasanwirjo tightened things up.
Why Clement is digging his heels in over Tavernier
Clement has explained why Tavernier’s minutes are being managed, but there comes a point when his own words could come back to bite him:
“Tav is just a captain. He will continue like that and he will play more games this season,” said Clement.
“It’s about competition for the spots for everybody. It’s not about one player or one ego or one thing.
“It’s about one team. It’s about winning together. And he showed it also.
“Now, in the last couple of weeks also, by playing in a higher position in moments and doing the job for the team. So, that’s what I expect. That’s Rangers. One team, one family. Everybody going for one thing.”
Tavernier’s status as captain seems to be buying him more time than most other players would be afforded with his level of form.
There are a lot of things that a manager can’t control, team selection is the only thing that he has absolute control over which makes it all the more puzzling why Clement is making life hard for himself and his defence.
