Rangers skipper James Tavernier came on towards the end of the match against Olympiakos in midweek in the Europa League.
In the 52nd minute, Philippe Clement took Dujon Sterling off, and many thought that the Ibrox skipper would replace him.
However, that didn’t happen, and Tavernier had to wait for his chances until the 85th minute. Neraysho Kasanwirjo replaced Sterling, and he did a decent job.
The decision has left many pundits thinking whether Clement’s approach is a clear indication that Tavernier has dropped way down the pecking order.
There are even suggestions that Tavernier’s future at Ibrox is now uncertain. He was linked with a move away from the Glasgow club in the summer, but any potential deal didn’t materialise.
Clement has suggested that the club needs more leaders on the team than just one. This has further added fuel to the fire over the ongoing Tavernier’s situation.
James Tavernier retains the support of Rangers players
Cyriel Dessers, who scored the equaliser for the Gers in midweek, said that the squad consider Tavernier as their skipper and the leader, and that will not change.
He has hailed him as an “amazing” player who leads by example, and the things he has done for the club are “unbelievable”.
The striker has added that he doesn’t understand the criticism Tavernier gets from the fans and the pundits.
Dessers said, as quoted by the Daily Record: “He’s our skipper. He’s our leader. He will always lead the team out.
“He leads by example all the time. James is an amazing player. The things he did already for this club are unbelievable.
“He’s also an amazing human being. I don’t understand the criticism he gets.
“If I just look at his stats as a right full-back, 400 games for this club, he won the league, he won cups, all the years that he’s been here, his goals, his assists, that says it all for him.
“He keeps going every day in training. He’s there, he’s working hard every day in the gym. I think that speaks for him.”
Philippe Clement must not get carried away
Tavernier has been a great servant for the club, and he is a legend at Ibrox.
However, Clement must pick the best squad to get results. At 33, Tavernier is no longer the same player he was a few years back.
In fact, he was atrocious against Lyon, and the national press slammed him for his poor performance last month.
Tavernier is still an important player for Rangers, but he is no longer a guaranteed starter at the club. He is now longer suitable to play 50-odd game in a season, and he should be properly managed.
His experience and leadership qualities would still be useful, but Clement must do what he feels is best for the team.
In other Rangers news, Barry Ferguson has been left impressed by one Gers player in the 1-1 draw against Olympiakos.
