James Tavernier: Danny Rohl given Rangers selection headache with captain vs Hearts
James Tavernier should be in contention to start for Rangers against Hearts regardless of what Danny Rohl and fans think about him defensively.
It has been clear in recent months that the German manager would much rather have Dujon Sterling in his team, arguably due to the right-back’s solidity at the back.
What has plagued the former Chelsea ace at Ibrox are injuries, but he looks to be fit going into the final four league games of the season.
Sterling is most likely to be in the Gers’ lineup at Tynecastle Park on 4 May, but it may be best for the German manager to reconsider his preference.
Tavernier’s importance at Ibrox hasn’t diminished despite him turning 34 in October and the captain’s selection will surely keep Rohl up at night.
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Rangers lack attacking quality without James Tavernier
Tavernier brings much-needed nous from set-pieces and corner deliveries to give the Gers a cutting-edge in the final third.
In the 3-2 loss against Motherwell before the right-back came on at the break, the Light Blues wasted multiple chances from dead-ball situations, with the quality from them not good enough.
| Statistics vs Motherwell | James Tavernier |
| Minutes played | 45 |
| Defensive contributions | 6 |
| Accurate passes | 18/23 (78%) |
| Accurate crosses | 2/7 |
| Key passes | 1 |
| Toches | 43 |
| Carries | 2 |
The veteran defender has been a creative force for the Glaswegian outfit in the William Hill Premiership, creating 17 big chances.
While Sterling may bring defensive qualities to the team that Rohl admires, Tavernier can be a game-changer for the Govan side in the final stretch of the season.
Danny Rohl has perfect solution vs Hearts
Rohl can ease his Rangers selection headache against the league leaders by opting to play a five at the back.
Sterling can slot in at centre-back and the skipper can play out wide to maintain a balanced approach to the game at Tynecastle Park.
It may lead to Djeidi Gassama being benched, but the former Sheffield Wednesday star has done much better coming on as a substitute than as a starter in recent months.
Playing three centre-backs will also arguably give Nicolas Raskin and Tochi Chukwuani more freedom to go further forward and have an impact in the final third.
Youssef Chermiti can thrive on the possible deliveries Tavernier can put into the box against Hearts and the German manager should think about tinkering with his system a bit.
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