James Tavernier really struggled for Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers on Thursday,
Last night, Rangers suffered only their second defeat in 19 games across all competitions this season.
The Gers lost 2-1 at Young Boys in a Europa League group-stage game – one that they could and probably should have earned at least a point from.
But Christian Fassnacht capitalised on another error from Rangers captain James Tavernier and snatched a 93rd-minute winner for the hosts.
It was the second costly mistake that the right-back made in Switzerland last night – and it might wind up costing Steven Gerrard’s side a lot more than just a point.
That’s because with January fast approaching, Tavernier is or at least was bound to attract attention.
Rangers reportedly had to fend off interest from Premier League clubs this past summer and the winter transfer window represents the chance for big English sides to try again.
Problem is, making two big mistakes on the European stage doesn’t do much for his value.
It’s his Europa League form which is going to influence his price-tag, not so much how he does against the likes of St Mirren and Hamilton every week.
And the fact that he was exposed by the second best team in Switzerland as things stand does not suggest that clubs down South will be willing to fork out big money for the 27-year-old, who turns 28 this month.
According to The Daily Mail, Gerrard would have taken £8 million for the Newcastle United-linked defender in July, but his errors in Bern can only result in that figure dropping significantly.
The good news for Rangers is that they have at least four more Europa League games this season, which is four more chances for Tavernier to prove that he is a top defender.
On the flip side, it’s also four more opportunities to lower his own price-tag even further if he struggles.
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