James Tavernier has had his fair share of critics in his time at Rangers but his effort. attitude and determination to succeed can never be faulted.
The Light Blues captain has been targeted this season for some high-profile mistakes at Ibrox and beyond but the 24 goals and 10 assists more than make up for them.
Speaking after being nominated for the PFA Player of the Year award, James Tavernier has not only defended himself but another under fire Rangers star.
James Tavernier backs Rangers legacy of Connor Goldson
The accusations that Tavernier can’t defend are lazy.
Rangers don’t get to the Europa League final or consistently reach the latter stages of tournaments in Europe if their right-back can’t defend.
For all that he is prone to odd lapses like the one at Ibrox against Celtic, most of the issues down his flank come from how high up he plays positionally, that’s a tactical decision, not a personal one.
It’s a similar issue that has beset Connor Goldson this season, who has recently been dropped.
Rangers will never have a centre-half that is perfect.
Lorenzo Amoruso had long spells of poor form, Craig Moore was also capable of a mistake or two.
Richard Gough and Terry Butcher were, arguably, two of the finest defenders to play for the club, legends, and they too cost Rangers a few goals.
Speaking up for his vice-captain, Tavernier was quick to remind the critics of what makes Connor Goldson so valuable to Rangers:
“When you look at Connor, he’s been so consistent for us.
“He’s been robust, he’s always been fit for the team. He’s one of the hardest trainers.
“You’re always going to get the harshest criticism when you’ve been at Rangers for so long, but he’s been an absolutely great servant and a great teammate.
“We’ve had such a great defensive record this season and that can’t be overshadowed.
“Yeah, some results might go against you, but for the whole package of what Connor’s done for the team, he’s been outstanding for us and I couldn’t ask for a better centre-back to play beside.”
Connor Goldson still has big part to play for Rangers
There’s a case of ‘better the devil you know’ about Connor Goldson and the prospect of moving the 31-year old on.
Other than the comment about how long Goldson has been at the club, Tavernier is right.
If a player is at a club long enough to play over 300 games, they will make mistakes and, as a centre-half, they will cost their team goals – it’s the nature of the job.
Despite the mistakes, Rangers defence has consistently been one of the strongest areas of the team, it’s usually at the other end of the park where most of the frustration originates.
Reports that both of them could depart Rangers for Saudi Arabia have been put to bed and Philippe Clement has also said that he has no plans to lose key members of his squad.
Like it or not, it looks like Tavernier and Goldson will both be at Ibrox for some time yet.
