Pundit moots role change for ‘sensational’ Rangers ace James Tavernier after Micheal Beale transfer decision
James Tavernier could move into a wing-back position at Rangers next season, according to pundit Dave MacKinnon.
The potential role change for the Gers right-back comes amid the arrival of fellow defender Dujon Sterling from Chelsea.
Tavernier boasts over 400 Rangers appearances, with the defender registering tallies of 101 goals and 117 assists in that time.
“I think Tavernier is a unique full-back,” said ex-Ibrox defender MacKinnon, as quoted by the Daily Record. “To score the amount of goals he has is sensational. I’m sure that, by his own admission, his attacking prowess might be first and foremost as opposed to his defending.
“But that has been recognised latterly by Michael Beale who I think has signed a right-back. I feel you may see Tavernier moving forward, perhaps into a more wing-back position.
“I believe that could further benefit his game. He’s been absolutely immense, but I think having some cover behind him might be inspired. It would allow James to concentrate on his strengths which are making those late runs, getting into the box and getting balls into the box.”
Star man
Tavernier really has been a phenomenal player for Rangers over the years, with not many defenders in world football boasting such fantastic scoring and assists tallies.
Of course, plenty of his goals have come from the penalty spot, but the club have still needed their captain to step up over all these years, and Tavernier has done that more often than not.
But the right-back has also scored many superb free-kicks, as well as bursting in at the back post to find the back of the net or provide an assist to a fortunate teammate.
His brilliant tallies in the final third could, however, increase further next season if he was handed a more attacking role by Beale.
It is definitely an option for the manager, although it remains to be seen if young defender Sterling will be thrown in at the deep end in his first season at Ibrox.
In other Rangers news, one Gers ace has sent a four-word message to an outgoing Everton player after his contract snub.