James Tavernier ‘fabulous’ as Rangers star wows with what he did v Dundee United
James Tavernier has blown Steven Thompson away with a “fabulous” cross during Rangers’ clash with Dundee United.
Philippe Clement’s side headed into the break 1-0 up at Tannadice on Sunday (15 September) as they look to get back to winning ways after their defeat to Celtic before the international break.
While Tom Lawrence stole plenty of plaudits for his first-half finish to break the deadlock, BBC Sport pundit Thompson was left in awe of Tavernier after his pass into Cyriel Dessers moments earlier.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound (15 September, 12:07) he said: “It’s a fabulous ball in by James Tavernier, Dessers I’ve seen him do this before when he gets contact in the box.
“He has a habit of throwing himself. There are claims from the Rangers support that he was pulled to the ground, but for me, in real time it did not look as though there was a penalty there.”
Will James Tavernier exit Rangers amid Ibrox transfer rumours?
Sunday’s clash with Dundee United showed exactly why Tavernier can be so frustrating. Having looked suspect at Parkhead, the Light Blues skipper demonstrated just how impressive he can still be in possession.
Although the 32-year-old still had moments without the ball where he looked off of the pace and was caught out of position, his delivery into the penalty area is still second to none as he always seems to be able to create chaos.
Plenty of pundits and supporters wanted to see the Englishman sold in the final days of the Turkish transfer window, but he is still a crucial part of Clement’s side and they cannot afford to lose him at this stage of the season.
Tavernier isn’t perfect and it is clear that Rangers will need to begin looking for a replacement either in January or next summer. For now, however, he is probably still the Gers’ right-back and they would have regretted it if they had let him leave.
In other Rangers news, Clement has shared why Vaclav Cerny wasn’t included in the Light Blues squad against Dundee United
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