Philippe Clement to make ‘big decision’ on James Tavernier after what he did for Rangers
Rangers captain James Tavernier has to be dropped by Philippe Clement after his performance against Celtic, according to Derek Clark.
Speaking on The Rangers Review (2 September), Clark said that as the team’s captain, Tavernier is in the firing line after the 3-0 defeat at Parkhead, and cannot continue to keep his place right-back.
Tavernier was given the runaround by Daizen Maeda once again and has been roundly slammed, with Clark noting that Celtic targeted him deliberately early in the match.
Clark said: “James Tavernier, another day to forget for him in these fixtures. We said prior that Celtic would target Rangers’ right-hand side and they did so, Maeda has him on toast in these games.”
“The manager’s got a big decision to make on James Tavernier – he has to drop him, his form is nowhere near good enough to start in this Rangers team. I don’t care if he’s got the armband or not, he simply cannot play in this team at the moment.”
Phillipe Clement must drop James Tavernier at Rangers
Tavernier has been a go-to source of leadership, goals and moments of brilliance during nine previous seasons with the Gers, but as he enters a decade at Ibrox, those moments seem a long, long way away.
Seemingly undroppable due to his excellent set-piece conversion rate and credit in the bank, now is the time for Clement to take Tavernier out of the firing line given he finally has other options at right-back.
The utility value of Dujon Sterling – who could make little difference to a completely overrun midfield at Parkhead – is vital, but the 24-year-old has surely earned a chance to play in his first-choice position.
Furthermore, the loan signing of versatile defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo from Feyenoord gives Clement another option to replace Tavernier on the right-hand side, with the Dutchman adept across the backline.
Tavernier’s time looks to have come after being run ragged by Parkhead, when Celtic pitch up at Ibrox in January, Gers fans will be hoping that Clement has a clear alternative who can stop Maeda in his tracks.
In other Rangers news, referee John Beaton was slammed on Sky Sports after his decision in the early stages of the Old Firm.
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