TAVERNIER HITS NEW HEIGHTS
IBROX CAPTAIN IS DELIGHTED HE AND BARISIC ARE GIVEN LICENCE TO ROAM
YOU could argue James Tavernier has never produced a better performance for Rangers than he did on Thursday night. Nor scored a goal that so perfectly summed up the importance of Steven Gerrard’s flying full-backs.
Collecting a pass from Connor Goldson, around 12 yards from his own goal on the right flank, Tavernier powered clear of a chasing opponent before spearing a low pass to Alfredo Morelos.
It began a chain reaction of interchanging among his team-mates that slickly led to left-back Borna Barisic hoisting a cross into the Galatasaray penalty area.
Tavernier had continued his run all the way. Towering above Martin Linnes, he planted a header high into the net to ensure Rangers would be in the Europa League group stage.
Change the jerseys from blue to red and it could have been a Liverpool move. One all-action full-back to another. Andy Robertson to Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Tavernier rejects any direct comparison with t hose key
Borna and I try to push each other on with our deliveries
influences for the English Premier League champions, but admits he will always to look to learn from the very best in the business.
‘Trent is a lot younger than me,’ laughed Tavernier, when asked if t he Anfield style provided inspiration. ‘But those two, Trent and Andy Robertson, have been at the top of their game.
‘They won the Premier League last season and are instrumental in the way Liverpool play with their full-backs.
‘But I always look back at the likes of Dani Alves, Marcelo and Cafu — top full-backs who are instrumental in their team.
‘As a full-back, you always try to do your best but those two at Liverpool are at the top of their game. They are top players in a Premier League-winning team and it’s always good to look at how they are playing, and compare your game.
‘Borna and I are always trying to push each other on with our deliveries and set-pieces. It’s good and, hopefully, we can help the team even more.’
Tavernier’s outstanding form was recognised yesterday when he was named Premiership Player of the Month for September.
In 12 appearances this season, he has scored seven goals and provided four assists. Barisic has one goal and six assists from 11 outings. Those are numbers that underline their immense worth to Rangers.
‘Borna and I always have a little joke about assists and I’ll say to him: “That’s one more” when he gets one,’ added Tavernier.
‘But, first and foremost, we are in the team to keep goals out. After that, we are in there to provide.
‘If that’s goals, assists or other play, then that’s what we need to do and what the gaffer requires from us. Borna has had a great start to the season and his assists are racking up. It was a great goal (to make it 2-0 against Galatasaray) when you look back. Starting all the way from the back and building up the pitch.
‘Luckily enough, I managed to put it in the back of the net. We are very proud of that as it’s the football we like to play.’
Reaching the Europa League group stage ticks off the first requirement of a potentially historic season. Games against Benfica, Standard Liege and Lech Poznan provide more than just prestige.
With around £2.5 million in UEFA prize money already banked, and an opportunity to significantly grow that figure, qualification could aid Gerrard’s attempt to land the additional midfielder he wants in his squad as Rangers seek to prevent Celtic from winning a tenth successive league title. ‘The gaffer highlighted the financial reasons for going through in this pandemic,’ said Tavernier. ‘With no fans coming through the door, it now helps the club massively to qualify for the groups. ‘It’s a really great achievement for the boys and the management team that we’ve made it. I’m delighted with the draw. You see Benfica in there, a massive team with a great stadium. ‘It will be a big test against all the teams we play. There will be different styles. I can’t wait for the first game to kick off. ‘But domestic (football) is most important and we have to concentrate on that. ‘ Come May, we want to be in that position. The gaffer said that’s when we’ll be judged in the right way. Our European football has been good over the last two seasons.
‘We’ve got to take that into the league and push on. I’m really pleased with our start to the season and how we’ve applied ourselves. We still have work to do and we are going to keep working hard.’
Tomorrow’s home meeting with Ross County is the next test. Then comes the season’s first Old Firm game of the season after the international break.
Winning both those assignments would be a significant boost, yet there would seem little chance of Tavernier getting carried away should that happen. After five years of ups and down at Ibrox, he is well versed in the vagaries of the game. His leadership qualities came under fire last term, firstly following a spate of errors in the autumn. The heat intensified further when comments admitting Rangers struggled under pressure from opponents somehow made it into a match programme in the midst of the team’s post-winter break slump.
‘I’ve always been mentally tough, even when I first came ,’ he reflected. ‘That’s my character, even when growing up. I always enjoy a challenge, I never hide away from it. If there is criticism or you’re getting applause if you’re doing well, then it’s just something you have to take on board and always try to improve yourself as a person and as a player.’
It is an attitude that has clearly found favour with Gerrard, who snubbed external arguments that it was time to change captain.
‘Tav has come back really hungry with a real strong pre- season under his belt,’ said the Ibrox manager. ‘Physically, he is looking like the powerhouse we know he can be.
‘He is playing with confidence and a smile on his face. He is certainly back to his best and I think he’s got stronger as each game has gone by. But I think it is his application and approach that has really impressed, right from returning on June 15.
‘The challenge for Tav is that he has set a standard and he needs to try to maintain it for the rest of the season.’