“He’s blessed” is the description provided by Rangers manager Steven Gerrard on James Tavernier.
The Gers captain and first-choice right-back has been a favourite of Gerrard’s since the Liverpudlian arrived at Ibrox in the close-season. It feels as though Gerrard is getting a consistency out of Tavernier that’s bringing his game on further.
Even at this early stage, giving him the captain’s armband looks a shrewd move. He’s always pointing and demanding players to do their jobs, and is growing into the perfect leader.
Tavernier has been in the spotlight, however, for recently signing a new four-year deal. The Englishman was tied up by Gerrard after Rangers rejected several bids from down south for their marauding full-back.
Ahead of the huge clash against Villarreal tonight, the Rangers manager has moved to heap praise on his star-man. Speaking in the Evening Times, Gerrard went into detail about his man’s qualities.
“I think it’s difficult for full-backs to be perfect but what I would say is that James is blessed in terms of his physical profile. I think there’s more to come from him.
“And I think to be fair to him he wants to grow and improve, that’s the most important thing to me. I think it’s a difficult one to be such a good attacking right-back and also be perfect defensively. I don’t think there’s many of them in the world.
“To get all speculation out of the way is very important for the club and for James that the deal got signed and sorted and I’m obviously very happy on the back of that.
“He’s a very well-liked character and leader within the dressing room. He’s been here through some decent times and through some bad times and that experience certainly helps me.”
A natural leader
Where Tavernier is impressing everyone is in the leadership aspect of his role. He’s always been one to give out instructions to fellow team-mates, but he’s blossoming into a superb captain.
Rangers supporters have always adored the Englishman. Despite the fact there’s no doubting he can improve his defending, which Gerrard touched on, he has it all. Going forward, he’s the best attacking right-back in the country.
Tonight, he’ll have a heck of a job in his hands in Spain. Villarreal have real threat down the left through Miguel Layun. The Villarreal star has stated he’s going to be asking Eduardo Herrera and Carlos Pena all about Rangers. It’ll be down to Tavernier to ensure any advice is useless.
The fact is, however, that Tavernier has been sensational at Rangers. It’s by far and away Mark Warburton’s best bit of business during his tenure at Ibrox. He’s been the one constant in recent years, and continues to impress on a weekly basis.
Another good performance at El Madrigal tonight, and his reputation will only shoot higher once more.
