Rangers: Chris Sutton claims James Tavernier fears Celtic winger Daizen Maeda

Chris Sutton believes Rangers captain James Tavernier fears coming up against Celtic winger Daizen Maeda.

Japan international Maeda joined Celtic in January 2022 on an initial loan deal that has since been made permanent.

The 25-year-old played a full part in Celtic's 1-0 Scottish Premiership win at Ibrox on 3 September when in direct competition with Tavernier.

Maeda did not score or assist in that game, but former Celtic striker Sutton reckons Tavernier must hate facing off against the Japanese attacker.

"You look at the games against Rangers. I'd bet Maeda is one of the first names on the team sheet," Sutton told the Daily Record [26 September].

"He completely nullifies the attacking threat of James Tavernier down that flank – while also posing a danger himself.

"He's been absolutely vital in these games. Tavernier's heart must sink when he sees his name on the teamsheet."

Bit extreme

Looking back at that recent Old Firm encounter at Ibrox, Maeda completed the most dribbles (three) of any player on the pitch [WhoScored].

No player was fouled more times (three), meanwhile, so he was clearly a thorn in the Gers' side.

Tavernier's defensive abilities have been called into question many times, including that day as Celtic edged a controversial contest.

To say the full-back's "heart must sink" when he sees Maeda's name on the teamsheet is a bit extreme, though.

Indeed, Tavernier had the most touches of any player on the field against Celtic (105) and played the most key passes (three).

He also led the way for tackles (four) among Rangers players, so he clearly did not do too badly in combining defence and attack.

If Tavernier has any sense, he will take note of Sutton's comments and use them as added motivation when the next Old Firm clash comes around.

In other Rangers news, former Gers boss Steven Gerrard is reportedly hoping to lure an Ibrox ally to Al-Ettifaq.