‘He could play for Liverpool’: Manager stunned by £250,000 Rangers player

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James Tavernier could even play for Liverpool, such is his performance level for Rangers.

That’s the view of Scottish manager Steve Evans.

Tavernier reiterated his importance to Rangers on Thursday night by scoring two goals which helped the Ibrox outfit move into the semi-final of the Europa League.

Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the world’s finest right-backs – and 2 goals and 18 assists this season certainly reflects that.

However, 12 goals and 16 assists from Tavernier for Rangers certainly illustrates that he’s of a similar ilk, albeit seven years older.

And former Leeds United manager Evans rates the 30-year-old so highly that he believes that Tavernier – who cost the Gers only £250,000 in 2015 – could even play for Jurgen Klopp’s outfit or Manchester City.

He told The Scottish Sun: “The best plaudit I could give him is he could play for Liverpool if [Trent] Alexander-Arnold was out. He could compete in the Manchester City team. He would suit both.”

Is Evans right?

Honestly, no.

Some might argue that Tavernier is only effective in Scottish football, which isn’t true because he’s also been a massive part in why the light Blues have done so well in the Europa League.

However, Liverpool are playing at a much higher level domestically and continentally and there’s just no way that the English defender would be as much of a threat in the same context.

They’re definitely similar players, him and Alexander-Arnold, so Evans is right about that, but Tavernier isn’t good enough for the Reds or Pep Guardiola’s side.