Generally speaking, you don’t look to your defenders as a source of goalscoring. Sure, they might chip in from set-pieces, and you can expect the left-back and right-back to get a few assists, but beyond that, goal involvement tends to be the department of the forwards.
That’s partly true at Rangers, especially given the fine recent form of Alfredo Morelos. However, as per StatZone on Twitter, there’s another Rangers player that’s leading the way for direct goal involvement this term.
v Hamilton
v Aberdeen
v St. Mirren@James_Tavernier has been directly involved in six of #RangersFC’s last 13 league goals. The right-back leads the way in the #SPFL for the most direct goal involvements this season (10 goals, 10 assists). @CTec_NI_Ltd pic.twitter.com/kLbOlYkxEE— StatZone (@StatZone) February 25, 2019
This is a mightily impressive return for a player of any stature, let alone a defender. Of course, Tavernier’s return is bulked up considerably by his role as penalty taker – but it’s still a testament to his ability from set-pieces.
Not to mention, the 10 assists also highlight his importance from other positions, and so make no mistake, he’s so important to the offensive workings of this team.
Having a reliable option like Tavernier is just what Steven Gerrard needs.
Thoughts?