Steven Gerrard has said that Glasgow Rangers captain James Tavernier needs to win a trophy to get the credit he deserves, whilst he has also questioned the Gers fans’ attitude towards the 28-year-old.
Tavernier has been with the Gers for five years since joining from Wigan Athletic, and has been a fantastic servant for the club. In 249 games, he has 47 goals and 77 assists – two fantastic tallies when you consider he is a right-back. However, he has often come under plenty of criticism from the supporters despite this.
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Speaking ahead of the Ibrox outfit’s match against Dundee United this weekend, Gerrard told Rangers TV (via The Herald):
“He is always available, he is very robust, and I think that goes to show that he is doing something right. To be available for every training session, every game, and to churn out the numbers from a physical point of view goes to show what type of player he is.
“I think Tav is someone that, when he goes through the gears, he is unstoppable. I think we have seen flashes of that so far this season and he is really close to being at his best.
“It is great for me to have him because I always know he is there for me. I don’t think he is your typical leader in terms of voice, but to have someone like Connor or Greegs behind him, I think they really compliment his leadership style.
“Tav is a huge player. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves, I don’t think, from our own supporters. I don’t think he gets the credit he deserves from outside.
“I think he needs to go and win something as a captain, as a leader, to really get the credit that he deserves. But to see him on a daily basis, I am certainly someone that really appreciates him for us.”
It really is bizarre how £4.5m-valued Tavernier – as per Transfermarkt – does not receive more credit. Yes, his defensive ability could perhaps be improved upon, and has been rightly questioned, but he has still been a reliable player for the 54-time Scottish champions – there is a reason he is the skipper, after all.
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He has made a promising start to the season – he has one goal and three assists in six games, and the Gers have not yet conceded a single goal in the Premiership. If he does manage to get his hands on a trophy this campaign, he will hopefully get the praise he deserves.
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