Is it time that Ibrox side Glasgow Rangers give the 25-year-old a more advanced role?
James Tavernier did not have a great season with Rangers last time around.
The 25-year-old right-back played a huge role in helping the Gers win promotion back to the Scottish Premiership after a four-year absence, scoring 14 goals and grabbing 20 assists during the 2015-16 campaign.
But the English defender appeared to struggle with the defensive aspect of his game in the Premiership last term and found himself criticised by some sections of the fanbase for some rather disappointing showings.
Those supporters will hope that he is not a regular fixture in his right-back role next season, but could manager Pedro Caixinha hand him a more advanced role?
It is abundantly clear that the former Wigan Atheltic man has certain deficiencies in defence which cannot be allowed to hinder Caixinha’s side next season – and they will if he is their first-choice right-back again.
Tavernier, who managed five assists in the Premiership last season, certainly has a lot going for him in an attacking sense, and perhaps it is time that the Portuguese manager harnesses these strengths by giving him a different role – like, say, right wing.
His speed, end product and ability to beat a man are skills which Rangers can do with going forward. His positioning and habit of completely switching off are habits which they can do without at the back, though.
It would not be a surprise to see him leave Ibrox this summer, given that Mark Warburton brought him to Glasgow and he is no longer there, but Caixinha might yet salvage his Rangers career by making him fight for his place on the wing rather than right-back.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
