James Tavernier has started this season much the same as he has for every other since joining Rangers.
Contributing to goals and assists – 107 and 119 at the last count – whilst also receiving criticism and questions about perceived defensive frailties.
With Philippe Clement having previous for tinkering, James Tavernier could see a new role for Rangers, the opinion of former Rangers skipper Dave McKinnon, as told to The Rangers Review.
The Gers captain has always been more attack minded and his contribution in the final third makes the debate a regular one.
There isn’t a season goes by where the discussion of what to do with James Tavernier isn’t brought up.
Should James Tavernier move position for Rangers?
Approaching his 32nd birthday, there appears to be no signs of slowing down or managing his minutes, however, McKinnon thinks Clement should address the captain’s position, via The Rangers Review:
“I think the criticism James gets is unfair on him. He contributes more positives than he does negatives.
“I think moving him forward into midfield or making him a wing back can help him. The last time I saw Rangers live against Celtic I thought that was the solution.
“I don’t know if I have ever seen Rangers do that. Maybe a new manager coming in will look at it with a completely fresh pair of eyes. Michael Beale was obviously there under Steven Gerrard.
“It didn’t change much under him. I think Goldson would be a lot happier if he moved across slightly. He is a good reader of the game.”
It’s blindingly obvious that James Tavernier, who was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer, has contributed to more goals for Rangers than he has been culpable for.
His defending has improved and the consistency of his goal scoring from open play seems to get better with every season.
A right-back simply shouldn’t be scoring over 100 goals, even if they do take penalties.
Clement used a 3-4-3 system as part of his tactics at Brugge and James Tavernier would fit perfectly into this for Rangers, as would Ridvan Yilmaz.
It’s still early days but, a flat back four against Hibs suggests that Tavernier will have to keep doing shuttles for Rangers for a little while yet.
