- James Tavernier insists he has multiple years left in his career
- The captain is still a driving force in the Gers dressing room
- The stats tell a contrasting story to the one he’s told in his recent interview
James Tavernier has insisted his career is far from over, so let’s break down his stats for the season.
The Rangers captain is an integral leader at Ibrox and will have a huge role if Rangers are to win the Premiership title.
In a recent interview, Tavernier stated, “My body feels great. Easily, I think I’ve got another three or four years.”
“I want to start every single game, you know my body’s not slowing up one single bit.”
Statistically, Tavernier is still one of the best attacking outlets in Scotland.
However, the 34-year-old is not the long-term solution to Danny Rohl’s right side of defence.
Here’s a breakdown of his stats in the opening 33 Premiership games this season.
Tavernier, the offensive weapon
Going forward, the stats paint a picture that backs Tavernier’s point of not slowing down.
Tavernier has scored 14 goals and provided six assists in all competitions, with eight goals and four assists in the league.
In the Premiership, Tavernier has created the most big chances (17) than anyone else in the league this season.
If the Gers’ frontline had been more clinical, he may have been leading the assists charts.
Tavernier should have nearly seven assists (6.85) in the Premiership rather than four, reflecting the chances he’s created.
The captain has completed 80.4% of his passes and 42.7% of his long balls.
He’s created 64 chances in the Premiership this season and completed 19 successful dribbles.
Offensively, Tavernier can still get it done for Rangers at a high level, but one former Gers full-back knows it won’t last forever.
Speaking on Scottish Football Social Club, Alan Hutton said, “[Tavernier] is not going to be a long-term solution, we all know that.”
“Is it going to be Sterling? Are they going to bring somebody in?”
Defensive frailties
In the last game against Falkirk, Tavernier showed his defensive flaws after giving away a penalty to allow Falkirk back in the game.
Tavernier has started 23 of the 33 league matches this season, yet Rangers have conceded 20 of their 31 goals while he’s been on the pitch.
However, his XG against while on the pitch is 22.89, significantly worse than the goals they’ve conceded.
The full back has been dribbled past 21 times this season, and his disciplinary record isn’t fantastic.
He’s picked up five yellow cards in the Premiership.
His defensive stats are a cause for concern, especially as the Gers head into the split.
Darrell Currie insists, “I know they’re trying to recruit a right-back as well.”
Read Rangers analysis
In my opinion, the stats tell a tale of a player who cannot continue to play at a high level in both domains of the game.
Tavernier can still be brilliant going forward and will be crucial in producing chances if Rangers win the league.
However, there is no question why Danny Rohl would prefer Dujon Sterling in the blockbuster clashes.
The captain is too easily beaten in one-on-one situations, and they concede more goals when he plays.
Rangers must find a replacement in the summer if they are to continue challenging for trophies.
