James Tavernier has been a great signing for Rangers, that’s not even up for debate. Goals from right-back, big assists, deliveries that have won points, and a captain who’s carried a lot of responsibility. But football doesn’t stand still, and the truth is nights like last night make one thing hard to ignore: when pace starts to go, it shows up brutally at this level.
Their winger got away from him too easily and once that happens, everything behind it becomes panic stations. That’s when you end up with chaos, and it felt like the mess with Butland came from that exact moment of the back line scrambling. It doesn’t need to be a constant theme for it to hurt you. One burst, one second late, and you’re chasing shadows.
A brilliant attacking full-back, but the legs aren’t the same
Tav’s game has always been built around covering the whole flank. He bombs on, overlaps, turns up at the back post, takes responsibility at set pieces, and plays with that confidence that you need at Ibrox. The flip side is obvious: if you’re asking him to do that same job now, you’re also asking him to recover 30 or 40 yards when we lose the ball.
Five years ago you’d back him to get back in. Now, it looks more like he’s having to choose his moments, and that can leave gaps Rangers simply can’t afford when the opponent has real pace out wide.
Rangers need a proper, fit option at right-back
The point about Sterling is fair as well. When he’s available, he gives you that athleticism and recovery speed that helps the whole defensive unit breathe. But “when he’s available” has been the problem, and Rangers can’t build a season around a right-back who feels permanently one knock away.
That’s why the idea of a young, quick, agile right-back makes sense. Not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Somebody who can defend one-v-one, win the foot race, and still give you enough on the ball so you’re not sacrificing everything going forward.
There’s a role for Tav, just maybe a different one
This doesn’t have to turn into a disrespectful conversation. Age catches up with everyone. Davie Weir adapted and played to his strengths. Tav can do the same, whether that’s being used more selectively, or even coming on later in games to influence things higher up the pitch, where his delivery and composure still matter.
As a squad, it still feels like Rangers need more than one defensive addition anyway, plus a striker. You can have a new left-back, a new winger, a new midfielder, and still look short the moment your back line gets asked uncomfortable questions.
And perspective matters too. Losing to a side with ridiculous resources is sore, but it’s not the same as throwing away points domestically. The next bit is simple: refocus, go and put Hibs away, and keep the league push moving. That’s where Rangers have to make their season count.
Related Articles
About Rangers News Views
Rangers News Views offers daily Glasgow Rangers coverage including match reaction, transfer analysis, SPFL context, tactical breakdowns and opinion-led articles written by supporters for supporters.
