Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has heaped praise on James Tavernier following the Europa League qualifying win over Galatasaray, labelling him as the best right-back in Scotland, as quoted by Rangers.co.uk.
The Gers defeated Gala 2-1 at Ibrox on Thursday night to secure progression to the group stages for the third consecutive season.
Tavernier was outstanding once again for the hosts and the marauding full-back notched his seventh goal in his last seven appearances with a back post header to put the Gers two goals up in the 59th minute.
There was to be no clean sheet at the other end, with the Turkish giants pulling one back in the closing stages, but Gerrard was still full of praise for his skipper.
“When we turned up, we knew we probably had the best right-back in the league and that has stayed the same,” he said, as quoted by Rangers.co.uk. “His consistency has been outrageous and he has got stronger and stronger as the games have gone on, and he has led his team to three European runs in succession.”
“He deserves a lot of credit. I know, on the outside, people make noise about James. But, the important thing is he is loved on the inside and we appreciate what he does.
“If he was the perfect full-back, he probably wouldn’t be here. He is available all the time, he puts himself out there and the numbers for a full-back, no matter what league and what level, are outstanding.”
Rangers boss lauds James Tavernier after Galatasaray win – Verdict
If a top striker scored seven goals in seven matches he would be widely praised, so it’s truly remarkable that Tavernier is recording these numbers from right-back.
The skipper has converted three penalties, a stunning free-kick and three goals from open play in a little over a month, while he also already has four assists for the season.
The 28-year-old showed incredible energy to get into the box for his goal against Gala after being involved at the start of the move near the corner flag at the opposite end of the pitch and once in position, he jumped and finished brilliantly.
Tavernier is unquestionably the best in his position in the country and is arguably playing the best football of his career right now.
He’ll be hoping that can continue for many more months as he looks to immortalise himself at the club by bringing major silverware back to Ibrox.
