James Tavernier has emerged as one of the most consistent performers for Rangers in the past few years, and his fitness and endurance is also second to none as he hardly misses a game. The right-back drew plenty of interest from English clubs this summer including his former outfit Newcastle United, but Tavernier insisted that he wants to win trophies at Ibrox as captain.
Allan Hutton on Tavernier’s future and replacement
However, former Scotland international and Rangers defender Alan Hutton believes that Tavernier will be lured to a move down the south eventually. However, he believes that the Gers have already got a readymade replacement for him.
Hutton speaking to Football Insider said, ” I just wonder if Tavernier is going to go soon, Flanagan would be an ideal replacement at right-back.”
”It’s difficult when you’ve got somebody ahead of you that’s doing what he was doing, you’re going to struggle to get in the team. There was an opening at left-back where he played, it’s not his natural position, but he’s done okay when he’s been called upon, it’s obviously difficult, but the time that he has played he’s done okay.”
Why might Flanagan not be an ideal first choice option?
Flanagan might not be a bad option at right-back, but we don’t see him making the impact which Tavernier has made in the past few seasons. The 27-year old’s contribution in the attacking half of the pitch has been terrific, and a lot of assists and goals come from his side. Not to forget, he is fantastic with his set-pieces as well, and we don’t see Flanagan coming close to replicating his numbers.
The former Liverpool man is a more defensive-minded fullback who is good at keeping things tight. He might be able to contribute more on the attacking front as a right-back than he does now at left-back, but he would struggle to replace the quality of Tavernier.
Given the way Rangers dominate most of their games, they would be better off having an attack-minded fullback rather than a no-nonsense defender. Modern-day fullbacks are more of creative output for teams and Rangers will be better off bringing in an attacking player to replace Tavernier if he goes on to leave at some point in future.
If Rangers can win a trophy this season, then we think that the captain might stay at the club for the long term given his importance here even though he might be able to earn financially more down south.
