Bert Konterman calls on Davis and Tavernier to step up at Rangers

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The former Ibrox player believes Rangers need more leadership after a damaging derby defeat.

Former Rangers star Bert Konterman believes Steven Davis and James Tavernier need to lead the way for the Ibrox side this season after last week’s derby defeat, The Sunday Post report.

Steven Gerrard’s side lost 2-0 to Celtic, forced to take the first damaging body blow in a potential Scottish Premiership title race.

Now three points behind their city rivals, serious questions are being asked about the club’s chances of mounting a serious trophy challenge this term.

Konterman won a league title and two cups with the Gers between 2000 and 2003 and has played alongside big Gers leaders of the past.

He knows a bit about what’s needed in the Scottish top-flight and has called on two in particular to step up for the current side.

As quoted by The Sunday Post, he said: “Players need to be brave and dynamic. Sometimes you must try the more difficult option. Success can’t be achieved by playing the safe option all the time.

“That’s when the leaders in the teams, such as Steve Davis and James Tavernier, need to continue to show the way. They are both top professionals and experienced footballers. They have the ability to put the team on the front foot.

“When I played for Rangers, I could look to the likes of Arthur Numan, Ronald de Boer and Barry Ferguson. Every now and again, you had to look for guidance and reassurance from them. For me, personally, it was great to have that.”

A leadership problem?

One of the most surprising things about the Gers’ performance against Celtic was the apparent lack of desire to impose themselves on the game.

Konterman is right to suggest that the team never really managed to put themselves on the front foot.

Whether that was because of Gerrard’s tactics versus Neil Lennon’s can be argued, but the players didn’t exactly take responsibility either.

Question marks have long existed around Tavernier’s leadership skills at the club.

There’s no denying his excellent attacking impact on the team, but can he inspire his teammates to produce a battling display like the one seen from Celtic?

To be fair to the club captain, derby displays and results last season would suggest so, but that kind of leadership is needed more than ever over the next few months.

Rangers are entering a critical period of matches at home and abroad and if they’re to make significant progress this season, it’s certainly players like Davis and Tavernier who need to push their teammates on.