James Tavernier’s defending has so often been scrutinised, but it seems as though UEFA don’t agree.
The Rangers defender is currently sitting ranked as the highest-rated defender in the Europa League. Tavernier has played all 90 minutes of all three group stage games so far, and has been impressive in every one.
So much so, however, that he’s number one on UEFA’s Europa League defender list. Tavernier’s impressive performance against Spartak Moscow has pushed him above Stefan Lainer of Red Bull Salzburg.
This means that the Gers defender is ahead of talent from clubs such as Leipzig, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Sporting Lisbon. It’s nothing if not a morale-booster for Tavernier, who’s had so much stick since arriving at Ibrox for his defensive attributes.
The Rangers defender is now 100 points clear at the top of the UEFA list, and deserves real credit. He’s been one of the standouts of the Europa League campaign this season. His growth into the captaincy role has been a joy to watch for Rangers fans. He also signed a new contract at the start of the season to tie himself to Ibrox until 2022.
Rangers’ UEFA heroes
Elsewhere in the Rangers squad, Alfredo Morelos is the 10th best striker in the competition. That’s another impressive feat for the Colombian, who’s started this campaign on fire.
Daniel Candeias is currently Rangers’ highest ranked midfielder. His blistering energy has been evident in his three appearances for Rangers in the groups. He sits in 29th place, just one spot behind Chelsea’ Eden Hazard. He’s also higher than Leipzig’s goalscorer against Celtic last night, Bruma.
It’s Tavernier’s spot at the top of the defensive rankings that’s most impressive however. He’s also the sixth highest performer in the competition overall.
We all know Tavernier isn’t the best defender in the Europa League. But what those stats show is just how far he’s come on this season, and the extent of his consistency levels.
Rangers sit top of their Europa League group, level on points with Villarreal. They also sit two ahead of Rapid Vienna, with Rangers set to face Spartak Moscow in Russia in a fortnight.
