Steven Gerrard has confirmed James Tavernier will remain first choice RB for the foreseeable future despite Nathan Patterson’s progress, after announcing the captain as the best RB in Scotland.
The ex-Wigan man’s rasping stunning dipping pearler sealed this one for the Famous, but after the youngster’s emergence in recent months many fans have wondered if he would in any way usurp the captain.
But Gerrard, as always, remained loyal to Tavernier and confirmed he will remain in slot as well as proclaiming him the best in his position.
“That’s the reason why he’s captain. Because of his quality, he can step up in big moments and he’s got us three points rather than one today. There’s obviously been a lot of noise around Nathan Patterson, who’s a fantastic player and is eventually going to be Rangers’ top right-back for a long time. But we have to remember we’ve got the best right-back in Scotland as well.”
Now, this means quite a lot – Stevie has now clearly confirmed Tavernier will not be dumped for anyone, and he is also categorical that Tavernier is a superior player to Patterson at present.
He also announces Patterson will be Tavernier’s successor in time.
However, Patterson clearly isn’t going to sit with that – he will not tolerate a full season on the bench and Rangers may well lose the opportunity for him to be our RB in future.
But Gerrard is clear.
And that’s that.
Can understand the manager has to be sent to back his captain, but again just highlights one of SG’s weaknesses- developing a complete blind spot for certain individuals.
Tav had about a 12 month period when he was incredible- rest of his time at the club has been mediocre and inconsistent. Purely defensively you could argue he isn’t even the second best right back at the club. Gives a bit more going forward but it’s now becoming the exception instead of the norm when he delivers. Goal today was incredible but statistically probably 7/8 times out of 10 they end up in the stand. You can’t rely on a thirty yard screamer every week to save a game. Where as if you can’t get a cross past the first man about 7-8 times a game that’s going to hurt you more in the long run in terms of creating chances to score.
Also quite selfish to assume that Paterson- remember a full international, with an accepted value of 8m plus- to sit on the bench for the next few years, and stall his career until SG decides to use him. When you see people like Gilmour and Tiernay playing in EPL every week.
SG makes the final call but I certainly wouldn’t grudge Paterson telling his agent to get him a move in January.
The boy can be usefull both sides of the park give him the opportunity to show he can fit in team even in middle of back four as it seems goldson on way out must be worth a shot sg
I can’t disagree with the manager’s assertion that Tavernier is the best right back in Scotland. I doubt if many Rangers fans would’ve disagreed with that just 9 months ago. Like everyone else I rate Patterson highly and believe he will eventually become the best but he’s not played enough to claim that crown just yet.
If SG has any sense, he’d play Patterson at RB and play Tavernier in front of him. Tavernier is fine in attack, but he needs others to cover his defensive rolls too often. Personally I think this would be a good combination. I’d love to see SG give it a go.
he said the same things about young McCrorie and where is he now hes two faced and i think hes lost the plot
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