Alan Hutton wowed by ‘unbelievable’ James Tavernier after Rangers win v Ross County
Alan Hutton was blown away by James Tavernier on Sunday as the Rangers captain assisted yet another goal in the 4-2 win over Ross County at Ibrox.
The 30-year-old right-back helped the Gers level the scores in the first half with a perfect corner kick that was headed into the net by Joe Aribo.
Tavernier also forced an own goal later in the game and his assist tally for this season now stands at 11 in 19 appearances in all competitions, as well as three goals.
BT Sport pundit Hutton was delighted with the way Steven Gerrard’s side got their first goal from a Tavernier set-piece.
“Tavernier’s assist and goal tally is unbelievable. He’s always on point when it comes to crossing,” said Hutton on RangersTV after the match on Sunday.
“It’s a great run across [by Aribo], the power comes and he just needs to direct it.
“It’s a well-worked goal.”
Sublime
Tavernier gets a lot of stick for the defensive side of his game.
He’s been at Ibrox for over six years now and we’ve seen some real clangers from the ex-Newcastle right-back when he’s been called upon to do his defensive duties.
However, when he goes forward, he’s in a league of his own.
Tavernier is easily the best set-piece taker in Scottish football. Corners, free-kicks, penalties – he’s all over them.
In open play, Tav is also a machine going forward.
He’s regularly free on the edge of the penalty area because defending teams usually fail to pick up on advanced full-backs while the whip from his cross is truly phenomenal.
Unfortunately, Tavernier’s defensive shortcomings and the calls for Nathan Patterson to get more game-time means the Englishman remains under-rated by sections of our support.
However, he’s easily one of the best right-backs in not only Scotland but the whole UK.
In other Rangers news, a billionaire-owed club is eyeing up this Gers man.