- James Tavernier will leave Rangers at the end of this season
- Danny Rohl has decisions to make on how to deploy the departing skipper
- Tavernier will play a huge role in how the title is decided
Danny Rohl has some key decisions to make amid James Tavernier’s announcement to leave Rangers.
The captain has announced via social media that his time at Ibrox will come to an end at the close of the season.
The end will be emotional for Tavernier, who’s put his blood, sweat, and tears into every game for Rangers.
However, there are bigger fish to fry from the aspect of the whole club, with Rangers competing for a title.
The only send-off Tavernier deserves is a title-winning season, so Rohl has some important decisions to make.
Tavernier, the dressing room leader
As a player who was the PFA Player of the Year in Rangers’ title-winning season, Tavernier brings all the experience.
The 34-year-old has racked up over 500 appearances for the Gers and knows what it takes to win the title.
His experience in winning the title and his know-how will be vital in getting the younger players over the line.
In the next five games, the Gers are going to be tested to their limits and will call on the squad’s senior players.
Tavernier will have a vital role in keeping morale high and helping players through the split pressure cooker.
How Tavernier is used on the pitch
There is no question that Tavernier’s exploits on the pitch are not what they used to be, even just a year ago.
We highlighted this in a previous article, with his defensive stats showing his frailties of getting up and down the flank.
Despite his lack of defensive steal, the fullback still offers so much going forward, creating the most big chances in the league this season (17).
He’s scored eight goals and provided four assists in the league this season.
In games against Celtic and Hearts, Rohl must start Sterling to provide that defensive stability in the back four.
However, if the Gers need a goal in those crucial fixtures, his calmness, experience, and creative ability will be imperative.
Rohl needs the goal-scoring momentum to continue after some scintillating displays in the last three.
In the other three games, Tavernier should start as Rangers need to take the game to the opposition and score goals.
Pivotal moments are what win this title, and time and again, Tavernier has produced in crucial points in games.
Read Rangers analysis
Farewell or not, Tavernier’s role will stay the same through the course of the next five cup final-like games.
His experience of winning the title will be imperative for the rest of the group to get over the line.
Though his defensive ability is lacking, the captain still has so much to offer offensively.
Whether it be a penalty kick, free kick, or a pinpoint cross, Rohl will rely on Tavernier to help them lift the title.
