Nacho Novo now believes one Rangers star is finally receiving the credit he deserves for his exploits in a Light Blue jersey.
The Spaniard is certainly speaking from a position of experience. Novo knew exactly what it took to represent Rangers having played 229 times for the club between 2004-2010, scoring 62 goals.
And the 44-year-old thinks that James Tavernier’s bulletproof mentality is why the skipper has been such a fantastic leader for the club in recent years.
Tavernier has been at the forefront of Rangers’ best and worst moments since being made captain in 2018 by former manager Steven Gerrard. He has often been criticised by sections of the Gers support for lacking leadership qualities throughout a period of Celtic domestic dominance.
But without Tavernier, Rangers would be way worse off. He has led the team to three domestic trophies – the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup and Viaplay Cup – in less than three years and more prominently, has become a scoring sensation from right-back.
Tavernier now has 116 goals for Rangers in total, the latest of which the winner against Aberdeen as the club finally got their hands on the League Cup trophy after 12 long years.
The likes of Andy Halliday, Barry Robson and Aberdeen legend Willie Miller have all lavished praise on Tavernier’s exceptional qualities in recent weeks, with Novo now adding to that list.
Nacho Novo lauds ‘amazing’ James Tavernier
Nacho Novo spoke to the Daily Record about James Tavernier and praised his mentality and goal contributions from right-back. Novo also thinks Tavernier is now more respected amongst the Rangers fanbase than he ever was before.
The former Rangers forward said: “Tav is incredible. He is a leader and sometimes it is difficult to wear that armband when things are not going well. In Glasgow, you can be the best and you can be the worst!
“But Tav is so strong mentally and he is now getting the credit he deserves from the Rangers supporters and others, who realise that to score so many goals and get so many assists from right back is amazing. And they are not all penalties!”
As we edge closer to the Old Firm derby against Celtic, Novo’s words can only boost Tavernier’s confidence further.
Our leader is at the peak of his powers having scored 15 goals in 31 games in all competitions this season.
Manager Philippe Clement would love him to conjure up another huge moment on Saturday at Celtic Park and put Rangers in an incredible position heading into the New Year.
