Andy Halliday has sounded a ringing endorsement of James Tavernier and believes he is more than capable of playing in the Premier League as well as achieving a call up to the England squad.
Having played together at Ibrox for a few years under Mark Warburton and Steven Gerrard, the Hearts player is well positioned to offer his take on the Ibrox skipper and the further potential he sees in him.
Lifting the Europa League trophy would be iconic for Rangers and also massive for the player – could further exploits on the big stage lead to a big money offer from England? Halliday offered the following perspective:
“The better club Tavenier is at, the better he’ll do because of his attacking outlet – I’ve been shocked for years that no one in England has tried to sign him, but I know for sure he’s happy where he is and loves playing for Rangers Football Club.”
“I love Tavernier to bits, but if there’s one position in that England team you need to do well to break into, it’s right-back. Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best right-backs in the world, followed by Kyle Walker and also Reece James at Chelsea.”
“It’s very difficult to break into the England squad, but what I’ll say is, this year he’s performed at European level without question – a right-back being a game away from winning the Europa League golden boot is sensational. For me he’s been the standout player of the tournament.”
Merit
High praise indeed for the Rangers captain but it is more than deserved, he is even the current top goalscorer in this season’s Europa League! Aside from the set-pieces, the way he exploits back post space so regularly is incredible and opponents just can’t seem to stop what they know is coming.
At 30, there is still some time on Tavernier’s side but if he harbours any aims of a Premier League breakthrough, it would need to happen quite soon. For the foreseeable, he is content and loving life in Glasgow, with the prestige, honour and responsibility that comes with the armband at this great club.