Football Today
·15 November 2024
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·15 November 2024
Rangers skipper James Tavernier has been going through a torrid spell with the club.
He has made a poor start to the season by his own standards, and Philippe Clement has often left him out of the starting eleven in big games.
In the recent Europa League clash against Olympiacos, Tavernier didn’t come on as a substitute when Dujon Sterling was taken off, which led many pundits to ponder whether he has dropped too far down the pecking order.
It is clear that Tavernier is no longer the influential player he once was, and journalist Keith Jackson recently wrote for the Daily Record that Clement should make a bold decision regarding the right-back and then stick with the plan.
Tavernier was linked with a move away from Ibrox in the summer, but he has stayed on. There is a fear that he may lose the captaincy.
Former Rangers star Barry Ferguson suggests that Clement has not disrespected the importance of the armband and believes Jack Butland should take the leadership role in Tavernier’s absence.
Butland has been one of the most consistent performers for Rangers since he joined from Crystal Palace, and he deserves the honour of leading the side when Tavernier is not playing.
Ferguson has suggested that Connor Barron could be a future Rangers skipper if he continues to impress for the Glasgow club.
The 22-year-old midfielder joined the Gers from Aberdeen in the summer window on a four-year deal for a fee set to be decided by a tribunal.
Barron has made a strong start to his career at Rangers, making 18 appearances in all competitions.
He has forged a strong partnership in midfield alongside Nico Raskin. The Scottish midfielder averages 2.1 tackles, 2.0 clearances and 3.7 ball recoveries per game.