Assessing James Tavernier's Stats At Glasgow Rangers
A closer look at James Tavernier's recent performances for Rangers, using his SPFL statistics to weigh his attacking output against persistent defensive flaws and ask whether sentiment should decide his future.
Putting the Legend Debate to One Side
Let us put the chat about James Tavernier being a club legend to one side and talk about his actual value to this Glasgow Rangers team right now. Nobody can argue with the fact he scores and assists. Those numbers are there in black and white and they have bailed us out more than once. Some would still say he is the best right back and best performer at the club, but that probably says more about the quality of the alternatives that have come and gone during his time here than it does about him.
In 2022 plenty of fans wanted Nathan Patterson starting ahead of him. In 2023 plenty wanted Dujon Sterling in before him. Before that there were even shouts for Ryan Jack to fill in at right back. It is not Tavernier's fault that one was sold and the other two have had their injury issues and stop start spells. But we should not kid ourselves, in a defence that is already underperforming he has become a liability in the very position that should be giving us some stability.
What the SPFL Statistics Really Say
If you strip out the emotion and just look at the numbers, the picture is not flattering. Take away the goals and assists and he would not even be considered as a guaranteed starter, never mind the first name on the team sheet.
In the SPFL this season:
1. Appearances: 12 league appearances
2. Defensive output: Only 2 clean sheets
3. Possession and duels:
a. Loses possession on average 20 times per match
b. Wins 49 percent of his aerial duels
c. Wins 49 percent of his ground duels
4. Distribution:
a. Accurate crosses at 27 percent
b. Long balls at 47 percent accurate
c. Passes in the opposition half at 66 percent accurate
Last season:
1. Appearances: 33 league appearances
2. Defensive output: 11 clean sheets
3. Possession and duels:
a. Lost possession on average 21 times per game
b. Won 57 percent of his aerial duels
c. Won 55 percent of his ground duels
4. Distribution:
a. Accurate crosses at 26 percent
b. Long balls at 35 percent accurate
c. Passes in the opposition half at 64 percent accurate
2023/24 season as a whole:
1. Appearances: 38 appearances
2. Defensive output: 16 clean sheets
3. Possession and duels:
a. Lost possession on average 25 times per game
b. Won 67 percent of his aerial duels
c. Won 55 percent of his ground duels
4. Distribution
a. Accurate crosses at 29 percent
b. Long balls at 45 percent accurate
c. Passes in the opposition half at 66 percent accurate
Take the goals and assists out of those seasons and what you are left with is a right back who is basically a 5 or 6 out of 10 most weeks, with the occasional 2 or 3 out of 10 thrown in when it really goes wrong.
Where the Eye Test Matches the Data
Anyone who watches Rangers regularly sees the same things the stats are hinting at. Tavernier still punts aimless balls up the line when he is pressed. He does not look as comfortable in tight areas as others in the squad. That might sound harsh to some and plenty will disagree, but defenders have to defend first. If they want to bomb on, they also need the legs and awareness to get back into position when the opposition break.
That is where the problem lies. Too often he is caught ahead of the play, too often that side of the pitch gets targeted and too often the rest of the defence is left exposed trying to cover. When your back line is already fragile, you cannot afford your most experienced defender being part of the issue.
Time to Take Sentiment Out of the Equation
None of this wipes away what Tavernier has done for Rangers. He has been a big part of some huge nights and big moments. But there comes a point where you have to be honest about where the team is going and what level is needed to get there. Offering a one or two year extension would feel like a decision based on emotion and gratitude, not on what the numbers and performances are telling us now.
For me, it is a simple conclusion. Thank him properly for the memories and the big goals, but do not let sentiment get in the way of building a stronger, more reliable defence. Sentimentality in football rarely pushes a club forward. More often than not, it holds you back.
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