Former Scotland international Russell Martin has heaped praise on Rangers captain James Tavernier, calling him the “best player in Scotland”.
The Gers’ skipper has hit 17 goals and 20 assists from right-back this season, and Martin has admitted that he is awe of the 27-year-old.
As quoted in the Daily Record, he said: “I believe Rangers have the best player in Scotland in the shape of James.
“What he does in terms of a right-back is incredible. He drives the team forward by what he does, scoring goals and leading by example.
“He’s not an old-school captain in terms of ranting and raving, but there are guys who lead by character and others who lead by example. Tav steps up during times of adversity and has got better season after season.”
OPINION
Tavernier may not be the best player in Scotland, but he is certainly not far off at all. The Rangers captain posts the kind of ridiculous attacking stats that most wingers could only ever dream of, let alone a right-back. Admittedly, the vast majority of his goals come from the penalty spot, but they still have to be put away, and there is absolutely no excuse for the ludicrous amount of assists that he bags as well. Without him in the team, in terms of actual goals he has been directly involved with this season, Rangers would be 37 goals worse off. That is mad. And that’s without any consideration for the defensive side of his game as well, which is just a vital to his side’s success. All in all, Tavernier is a force of nature, and he absolutely deserves any plaudits showered on him. Best player in Scotland, however, might be a bit of a stretch.