In a Rangers team where everyone appears to be playing well, it’s especially hard to be the stand-out player.
But this season – whilst the early frontrunner might’ve been Ryan Kent – there is one player in the Ibrox camp who has puffed his chest out and looks head and shoulders above everyone else.
Tavernier has taken perhaps the final step in his development with his all-action athletic style being supplemented by that world-class delivery and yet more goals.
The right-back’s engine is carrying him into the opposition penalty box with his calmness and coolness on the ball both exemplified by the consistency of his delivery and ability from the penalty spot.
More than just become the most lethal incarnation of our marauding right-back yet, Tavernier has also shorn up the traditionally problem issues he’s had in defence.
The ex-Newcastle and Wigan man has been a whipping boy for many supporters due to high profile mistakes and a lack of defensive concentration which has blighted his time in Glasgow.
But this season – of all seasons – Tavernier looks more focused, more determined and more introspective than ever.
For a man who has had his detractors both as a player and as a captain, Tavernier is leading by example in a Rangers side buoyed by confidence and eager to steamroll teams.
It is our flying right-back who is the driving force of so much of what we do, the club captain bearing that responsibility and setting the tone for the performances which have us unbeaten in 20 games.
At this point of the season already, James Tavernier is the frontrunner for all the personal accolades from across the Scottish game.
If the wing-back can lead this Rangers side to title glory come May – and maintain this level of consistency in doing so – then there can be little doubt he’ll have some Player of the Year awards to add to that title medal.
