The numbers behind Tavernier's 11 years at Rangers
[SNS] From a perceived lack of leadership to suspect defending, James Tavernier has had to face his fair share of criticism - much of it unfair - during his 11 years at Rangers. The list of things some supporters have attempted to lambast him for has at times been absurd. Facing scrutiny for treating himself to a chip shop takeaway comes to mind.
What cannot be disputed, however, is the captain's relentless attacking output from the right of the Ibrox side's defence. No matter the manager - and there have been a few - Tavernier has continually produced. In 562 Rangers games, the defender has scored 144 goals.
It is silly stuff. The instant counterpoint to try to diminish that statistic will sound something like: 'But they're all penalties. ' Granted, just over half of them have come from the spot, but when you throw in 148 assists, the 34-year-old's numbers start to look outrageous.
Even in his farewell season, Tavernier is currently Rangers' top scorer with 14 goals. Factor in his six assists and he has contributed to 20 goals this term. For most other full-backs, that would be a career-best campaign.
For Tavernier, it has become his standard. As well as becoming a dead-ball specialist - from stunning free-kicks to deadly set-piece deliveries - he has developed a knack for timing runs and arriving at the back post in the fashion a forward would be proud of. In five of his past 10 campaigns, he has netted at least 15 times.