Many Rangers supporters feel James Tavernier’s defensive game needs to improve quickly in the wake of Sunday’s draw away to Motherwell.
The club captain was culpable for the Steelmen’s second goal of the afternoon, allowing Carl McHugh far too much room in the box to head home from a routine Gael Bigirimana free-kick.
He’s performed well for Steven Gerrard so far this summer, especially in an attacking sense, but the defensive frailties on Sunday were a grim flashback to last season when far too many cheap goals were conceded.
If Tavernier is to continue as a fan favourite then he’ll need to up the defensive side of his game considerably over the next few months, especially if Rangers are to progress in Europe.
He may be an exciting attacking wing-back, but if he doesn’t have the discipline we need at the back then ultimately other options may have to be considered.
These fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the situation in the wake of Sunday’s draw…
Defensively that was poor as the last few seasons. Simple balls over the top and we were all over the place. Less said about Tavernier and his defensive work the better. Goldson and McGregor were well below par today too. Marked improvement needed for Thursday
— Gary Spence (@garywolfboy) August 26, 2018
But ultimately Motherwell deserved a point in the end. Tavernier needs to up his defensive game . Yes some of the tactics today didn't work for us but we need to get behind the gaffer, not write him off after drawing away to a team who threw everything at us for full 25 minutes
— Scott (@clonejack) August 26, 2018
Tavernier’s defensive awareness is shocking. He couldn’t keep weans out a close. It’s getting beyond a fucking joke. #Watp
— Dino Velvet (@DinoVelvet73) August 26, 2018
Rotten today @RangersFC. Three at the back was wrong, left the midfield weak. Somebody get James Tavernier a personal defensive coach and big Goldson some new boots. #RangersFC
— Scott ???????????????????????????? (@SocialDadUK) August 26, 2018
Tavernier sells the jersey’s again. When is Gerrard going to wake up to this defensive nightmare and get rid of him?
— Tahamasa Canine (@TahamasaCanine) August 26, 2018
@James_Tavernier going forward is magic but his defensive work is pathetic, not the example a captain should be setting.
— Alastair (@alid7997) August 26, 2018
Do not ever play tavernier in defence again he is a joke as a defender he goes to sleep at cross balls.happens far too often
— Thomas Urquhart (@Blue1690Thomas) August 26, 2018
Tavernier is the last cog from our shambles of a defence of the last few years.
Every team knows this. Every team tries to take advantage of this. Every team succeeds.
Stop defending the clown. He's not Rangers class.
— Andy C (@pipedown27) August 26, 2018
What are your thoughts on the defensive side of James Tavernier’s game? Share your thoughts in the comments below…