James Tavernier was brilliant as Scottish Premiership giants Rangers beat Rapid Vienna 3-1 in the Europa League on Thursday.
Four points from two games and Rangers’ return to the Europa League could hardly have gone much better.
Steven Gerrard’s side fought back twice to draw 2-2 at group favourites Villarreal a fortnight ago and followed that up with a deserved 3-1 win against the Austrians Rapid Vienna on Thursday night.
Joe Worrall was hugely impressive at the back, justifying his inclusion ahead of Nikola Katic, Daniel Candeias was back to his best on the wing, while two-goal Alfredo Morelos produced arguably his greatest performance so far in a Rangers shirt.
But James Tavernier was arguably the best player on the pitch. Rangers’ captain fantastic was brilliant at right-back again, setting up Morelos’ opener while scoring the second from the penalty spot late on.
And, speaking on BT Sport 3’s coverage on 4 October, former Rangers team-mate Kenny Miller believes that Tavernier still doesn’t get the credit his hugely impressive performances deserve.
“James is steady. Some of his performances go under-rated because it’s becomes expected of him but I thought he was excellent again tonight,” said Miller, who played alongside the former Newcastle United youngster at Rangers last season.
Tavernier has his critics in Scotland with a perceived lack of defensive awareness often highlighted. But he is absolutely essential going forward, providing a reliable source of goals and assists from full-back.
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