Exclusive: Alex McLeish defends Rangers ace Tavernier amid ‘brutal’ social media criticism
We’re delighted to welcome former Rangers manager Alex McLeish as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Ibrox…
Former Rangers manager Alex McLeish has defended Ibrox captain James Tavernier, claiming that he is a “high quality” attacking talent.
Speaking exclusively to Ibrox News, the ex-Gers chief suggested that Steven Gerrard wouldn’t persevere with his skipper if he was a “dud”, and argued that “brutal” criticism on social media has done the full-back no favours.
The 28-year-old has been a mainstay of Gerrard’s starting lineup ever since the manager arrived in Glasgow in 2018, but suffered something of a dip in form last term, as previously examined by Ibrox News.
This season, however, Tavernier has looked more like his old self, registering three assists and one goal in six Scottish Premiership appearances.
And McLeish has suggested that his apparent poor form has been negatively exaggerated by a number of factors.
Speaking to Ibrox News, he said: “You can have these little spells where you lose a goal and it’s come from your side because you’re either not in the position or you know you’ve been exploited.
“It happens, and James maybe had a wee bit of a spell where one or two goals went against him and then you get the criticism and the focus is on you for a wee while – everybody has a go.
“The social networking, as we know, is absolutely brutal. Back in the day it was maybe just the news reporters that gave you the little bit of stick when you were off form for a wee while but now there’s no hiding place and there were those question marks.
“He’s been a good captain and Steven Gerrard wouldn’t be playing Tavernier if he was a real dud in defence – he’s not that.
“He’s very, very good going forward and because he has that high quality going forward then you have to allow a wee bit of leeway for him because what an engine to have that and to do that in every single game.”
Tavernier featured in 46 matches last season, scoring three times and assisting a further 15 goals.
In other Rangers news, we bring you another exclusive, as Frank McAvennie claims Alfredo Morelos could upset the Ibrox dressing room if he stays.