Rangers: Danny Rohl would be foolish to overlook James Tavernier heroics at Ibrox
Rangers can’t afford to turn up their noses at what James Tavernier has done this season.
The right-back has 14 goals and six assists in all competitions for the Gers in the current campaign, highlighting his impact in the team.
Danny Rohl seems to favour Dujon Sterling over the 34-year-old right-back, but that may come back to haunt him at the Light Blues.
Tavernier’s frailties were on show against Falkirk, with the veteran defender conceding a penalty, but his season can’t be boiled down to just one game.
While Sterling may be considered better by Rohl when it comes to pure defensive play, what the former Newcastle United ace provides in the final third is unmatched.
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James Tavernier contribution being overlooked at Rangers
It feels like fans and Rohl alike are easily dismissing what Tavernier has done for the Gers this season.
In terms of average Sofascore ratings of players who have played more than 50 per cent of the Govan side’s William Hill Premiership games, the right-back ranks second-best.
The defender has scored eight goals, provided four assists and created a whopping 17 big chances in 31 appearances as the Light Blues look to win their 56th league title.
| Player | Average Sofascore rating |
| 1. Nicolas Raskin | 7.51 |
| 2. James Tavernier | 7.31 |
| 3. Emmanuel Fernandez | 7.29 |
| 4. John Souttar | 7.28 |
| 5. Jack Butland | 7.08 |
Rohl would definitely be a fool to leave the veteran right-back out of the starting lineup post-split, given what he’s done in recent months.
Sterling’s persistent fitness issues also make him a liability for the German manager, who can’t afford any slip-ups in the final stretch to possible glory.
Danny Rohl needs James Tavernier more than ever at Ibrox
This season has underscored Tavernier’s importance more than ever, as Rangers have struggled to rely on a consistent goalscorer.
Youssef Chermiti, Bojan Miovski, Ryan Naderi and Danilo have played their part up front, but none of them have been able to shoulder the burden of the attack.
The right-back has the most goal contributions of any Gers player in the 2025-26 campaign in all competitions.
While Tavernier wasn’t recognised for his brilliance in the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year, Rohl shouldn’t make the same mistake.
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