BT Sport pundit rips into James Tavernier for ‘ball-watching’ in Rangers v Ajax
Rangers lasted just four minutes against Ajax before the visitors took the lead, and James Tavernier was largely at fault.
Rangers had one final opportunity to please their fans and end their Champions League campaign on a high against Ajax, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side went a goal down early on to Steven Berghuis’ strike.
It was a well-worked move by the Dutch side, but yet again Rangers were poor at the back, and Tavernier in particular came under fire from Kevin Thomson.
“James Tavernier getting caught out, just ball-watching really,” said Thomson while commentating on the game (BT Sport 4, 8:04pm)
“Ball to the outside, great touch, and then it’s just exquisite. This is what this Ajax team do. A wonderful finish.”
Frustrating
As the Rangers captain, it’s Tavernier’s job to keep the defence in order. Frustratingly, it was his own mistake that cost Gers at Ibrox.
It’s not the first time he’s been caught out defensively this season, and for all his attacking output he needs to work on his defensive positioning.
Heading into the game, Rangers would’ve been targeting a win, and possibly even Europa League qualification if they miraculously won by five clear goals. Tavernier’s goal put a quick end to that dream, but that doesn’t mean their heads should drop.
In the back of the players’ minds will also be the risk of becoming the worst-ever Champions League team. A loss by two or more goals on Tuesday would set that unwanted record, but the players can’t have that in their minds.
It’s down to Van Bronckhorst and Tavernier to rally the squad and try and end this torrid European campaign on a high.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale sets Rangers tongues wagging as he’s spotted arriving at Ibrox