Hibernian ace Jair Tavares is warning former employers Benfica to be wary of the talents of James Tavernier, Todd Cantwell and Fabio Silva ahead of Thursday’s crunch Europa League clash at Ibrox.
For the second time in the space of four years, Rangers travelled to one of Europe’s most iconic footballing theatres and refused to let themselves be cowed by the pressure off the occasion.
And while they were pinned back in the end yet again – Connor Goldson’s own goal gifting Benfica a result to take to Ibrox after Darwin Nunez’s 91 minute leveller in the same competition back in November 2020 – the mere suggestion that some are considering Rangers favourites ahead of this week’s return leg is testament not only to the struggles of Roger Schmidt’s side but the belief and the confidence Philippe Clement has instilled at Ibrox.
Rangers face off against Benfica again
Rangers won for a 25 time in 31 games under Clement on Sunday, brushing aside Hibernian 2-0 at Easter Road in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
And Tavares, after witnessing The Gers’ talents first-hand, is under no illusions about the size of the task that awaits Benfica in Glasgow.
“Benfica will face a frenetic and electrifying atmosphere,” Tavares, who played for Benfica’s B team before moving to Edinburgh, tells A Bola. “I think these are the best words to describe the atmosphere at Ibrox. Rangers fans are extremely loud and passionate about the club.”
Tavares’ Hibs side were undone by a wonderful solo striker by Fabio Silva on Sunday. The Wolves loanee is playing his best football on British soil, and marked his return to Lisbon with a stand-out display in last week’s 2-2 draw.
“A confident player is an extremely dangerous player,” Tavares says of Silva, who had a brief spell in Benfica’s academy shortly before leaving Porto for Wolvesin a £35 million deal.
“It is clear that he is confident. And, when that is the case, things come naturally.”
Ex-Benfica ace highlights four Rangers dangermen
Silva is far from the only threat in Rangers’ ranks. Tavares highlights three more dangermen. Though an injury means one of the trio – creative kingpin Todd Cantwell – may be unavailable on Thursday.
“The captain, James Tavernier; He is experienced, physically strong and extremely attacking,” Tavares adds. “In set-pieces, he is excellent. Then, John Lundstram is the midfield pendulum. He is also very physically strong and controls all the rhythm of the team’s game.
“Todd Cantwell is a very, very creative midfielder. The ball never cries at his feet, as they say in Portuguese slang.”
Rangers kick off against Benfica at 5.45pm on Thursday afternoon. Win, and the Glasgow giants will reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League for the second time in a row.
