James Tavernier’s success is Rangers’ biggest concern, the stats explain why
James Tavernier has consistently been one of Rangers’ most influential players.
With Rangers well and truly in the title race under Danny Rohl, they need their big players to step up to the occasion more often than not, and in Tavernier‘s case, he has.
Not only is the 34-year-old the Light Blues’ top scorer this season, but his leadership and experience have also proved crucial to the success that the Gers have had.
However, while the latest reveal showcases the quality he brings to the table as well as the importance he holds, it also demonstrates an issue which will hinder them going forward.
- Read more: Everything we know about James Tavernier’s Rangers contract: Update on talks, wages and more
James Tavernier leads Scottish Premiership for two crucial metrics
With 12 goals in all competitions this season, and 142 in total for Rangers, it’s clear that Tavernier poses a significant threat in front of goal.
However, his creative numbers are often just as impressive, despite the fact that he has just seven assists this season.
The veteran defender has created 56 chances in the Scottish Premiership this season, which is the most of any player in the league.
Added to that, Tavernier has created 16 so-called big chances, which is again the most in the Scottish Premiership this season.
From those created chances, the 34-year-old has accumulated 5.89 xA, which is a record bettered by only 4.1 per cent of players.
These are all impressive numbers, especially for a full-back, but that is where Rangers’ biggest concern lies.
Are Rangers becoming over-reliant on Tavernier?
Every team has one player that they can depend on, but for Rangers, the worrying thing is that their saviour is their right-back.
While he has created the most chances in the Scottish Premiership, Nicolas Raskin has the second-most for Rangers, but finds himself down in 15th for that metric.
And in terms of big chances created, it is the exact same story, with Raskin 10 behind Tavernier in that regard.
It showcases just how little their forward players are contributing in the final third, and just how little creativity they have on display, especially from open play.
Rohl is doing a splendid job at Ibrox, but if his team are to reach the next level, that has to be addressed in the summer.
For even more on the Tavernier situation at Rangers, head over to Football Insider.