Former Gers player Derek Ferguson has assessed current skipper James Tavernier, on Open Goal.
The 27-year-old has played 53 times for Rangers this season and is one of the first names on the team sheet for Steven Gerrard.
Yet, whenever the Rangers underperform he often comes in for heavy criticism. He’s frequently blasted for not being a worthy captain, or for not defending solidly enough.
Ferguson certainly agrees with the former affirmation.
“I just think there is one or two in there that just maybe don’t handle the big games, don’t handle the pressure [at Rangers],” he said on Open Goal.
“I’ve mentioned Tavernier before, I don’t think he is a captain. I think he’s a decent player, but I don’t think he is a captain for Rangers.
“So I’d be looking at that [in the summer], to bring in somebody, [who is] a good experienced player that can get games by the scruff of the neck.
“They’ve maybe been missing that in the middle of the park as well.”
Verdict
In terms of the comments on the captaincy, Ferguson may well be right. Although it’s nigh on impossible to know for sure if someone has the necessary leadership skills for the job unless you are around the squad day in, day out.
However, the other aspects of these comments are ridiculous.
From right-back, James Tavernier has eleven goals and 14 assists in the SPL this season. He’s been the source of more goals than any other player in the country. If he’s only ‘decent’, what are the rest of his teammates?
Furthermore, it’s a myth that Tavernier hides in big games. He was excellent in the 1-0 Old Firm win in December. At Parkhead last month, there’s no doubt he was at fault for the Celtic winner.
However, the Gers would have been dead and buried long before that point, had he not continued to drive down the right, before initiating the move that led to Ryan Kent’s goal.
People claim poor defending cancels out his effect at the other end of the pitch. Yet, in what looked like being a massive fixture at Pittodrie back in February, he atoned for giving away a penalty by setting up the Gers’ fourth goal. There he was, with the points in the balance, making a lung-busting run in stoppage time to play in Jermain Defoe.
It’s easy to blame Tavernier when things go wrong. He wears the armband so he’s always going to be held to account more than others.
However, he’s actually a major asset for Rangers and deserves more support. Scapegoating him every time something goes wrong, won’t bring silverware back any quicker.
