Warburton suggests scouts forget something about Rangers’ James Tavernier

Follow us on Google Discover

Rangers have seen James Tavernier shine at Ibrox since his 2015 arrival.

Ex-Rangers boss Mark Warburton has told Open Goal that he thinks scouts forget how good James Tavernier is going forward because they get too bogged down in his defensive deficiencies.

Warburton snapped up Tavernier for Rangers in the summer of 2015, prising him away from Wigan Athletic after a loan spell at Bristol City.

Right back Tavernier enjoyed a stunning first season, hitting 15 goals in all competitions as Rangers won promotion to the top flight.

The 27-year-old is now Rangers captain, and has scored 38 goals in almost 200 appearances for the Gers.

Many feel that Tavernier isn’t particularly great defensively, but offers so much going forward in terms of his crossing that he’s worth starting regularly.

In fact, The Express recently reported that Southampton want to sign Tavernier, meaning Rangers may have to fight to keep hold of him this summer.

Now, ex-Gers boss Warburton has suggested that scouts look at Tavernier as not being good enough defensively, but feels they forget that he has ‘world class’ delivery into the box.

Warburton also reacted to the rumours about a Premier League move by suggesting that he could improve around bigger-name players, even if there is a chance he could be found out in the Premier League.

“Look at Tavernier,” said Warburton. “I know scouts that look at Tavernier and go ‘he can’t defend, he’s not good enough 1 v 1’. They forget the fact that he’s the best attacking full back with world class delivery at times. They look at his weaknesses as opposed to what he can do.”

“Yes,” he added when asked if Tavernier could play at the top level. Will he be found out at Premier League level? Maybe. But then again, he might be outstanding. You know, playing with better players, players on 50, 60, 80, 100 grand a week, will that make Tav a better player? Will they help him And improve certain areas of weakness? But his attacking strengths, his delivery is world class,” he added.