Ally McCoist claims Gerrard will have a ‘wee word’ with Rangers duo Tavernier and Barisic
Ally McCoist has praised Rangers duo James Tavernier and Borna Barisic for their prowess going forward, but has suggested that they need to work on the defensive side of their respective games.
The pair clocked up 29 assists between them over the course of the 2019/20 campaign, while the Gers kept 28 clean sheets in all competitions.
But McCoist still wants to see more solidity from Steven Gerrard’s full-backs.
Speaking to the Glasgow Times, he said: “The clean sheets were very important because that is how you build up relationships between centre backs and your defence.
“It has been encouraging. I just felt last year at centre back we weren’t really sure who was turning out, whether it was (Connor) Goldson, (George) Edmundson, (Nikola) Katic, (Filip) Helander.
“The two full-backs were absolutely excellent going forward, do not have a problem with them going forward. But I think Steven probably had a wee word with them regarding defensive duties as well.
“As I say, it is vitally important. If Rangers can get back to the solid unit which they have been pre-season then it bodes well for them for the season.”
Do Barisic and Tavernier need to improve?
Rangers weren’t exactly terrible defensively last season, and it does seem a little odd that McCoist would pick out Tavernier and Barisic in particular for critiquing.
If anything, as explored previously by Ibrox News, a decent amount of blame for any defensive frailties should surely be apportioned to how shaky Connor Goldson was at the heart of the backline on occasion.
Barisic in particular was labelled the best left-bar in Scotland by Andy Walker earlier this season.
Sure, there are areas to be improved at Ibrox, but generally speaking, full-back isn’t one of them.
In other Rangers news, Alfredo Morelos has commented on reports claiming he has agreement with Lille.