Tavernier once again exposes Rangers as defence collapses | OneFootball

Captain James Tavernier’s performance in Hungary last night summed up where Rangers actually are at Europa League level and in general. While Ibrox Noise did point out that Rangers defence domestically is not that bad, it still gets exposed in Europe. Rangers defence and Tavernier is a great mix (!)

Europa League Reality Check

At Europa League level it becomes visually and obviously exposed as a disorganised shambles. Let us put this into some context.

James Tavernier is revered by many Rangers fans as the greatest thing since sliced bread. Nasser Djiga has Champions League appearances in abundance. He also has two league titles to his name.

He is the most successful player Rangers actually have at any level. He is worth around £10 million. He is also an international.

And yet he has struggled at Rangers. That is despite showing he can make massive tackles and big blocks.

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – DECEMBER 11: James Tavernier of Rangers reacts during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between Ferencvarosi TC and Rangers FC at Ferencvaros Stadion on December 11, 2025 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)

Defensive Structure and Coaching Failure

So what does this all have in common. Once again a Rangers manager or coach shows no real interest in sorting the defence properly.

The simple fact is we switch from a back three to a back four to a back five. None of it has any coherence. This coach is totally out of his depth defensively at Rangers.

Walter Smith knew exactly what to do. He piled alpha defenders at the back immediately. He built everything from that base.

That does not happen anymore.

We are obviously measuring everything against the great Walter. That is not fair on anyone. But it is unavoidable. You are always compared to Walter Smith.

Tavernier and Positional Chaos

Then Tavernier goes on a random meander into midfield. He exposes everybody. He is completely out of position. It nearly cost a goal.

It did not this time thanks to Djiga’s brilliant intevention. But it easily could have.

The fact is Tavernier has been out of his depth for a long time. He is not the greatest right back there has ever been.

Compare him with Alan Hutton. Compare him with Gary Stevens. These were real alpha defenders. They were serious right backs.

They were internationals for England and Scotland.

Tavernier could not even get a call up at youth level.

Attacking Bias and Defensive Neglect

He is garbage. Yes, sorry to say that. But he is garbage when it comes to defending and understanding the game.

The problem with Tavernier is simple. He attacks and attacks and attacks. He fails to focus on his defensive duties.

He misreads play. He gets dragged out of position. He completely loses focus.

He cares more about assists, crosses, and goals. He often forgets his actual job.

This exposes the defenders around him.

Remember, he was meant to be a centre back last night. What was he doing in midfield?

A Symptom of a Bigger Problem

He is not the only one. This is not a Tavernier hate fest. Although he should have left Rangers long ago.

The fact remains we still cannot defend.

Even if league numbers look better, reality says otherwise. European sides cut Rangers open with ease.

Tavernier is a symptom of this problem. He is also one of the causes.

The manager does not help either with Rangers defence and Tavernier.

So on we go. The chaos continues. The roundabout never stops at Rangers these days.