Vickers hails club for Tavernier extension

Freelance journalist Craig Vickers has hailed Rangers after securing a new contract extension for star man James Tavernier – and claimed the defender is one of the best he has seen play for the Scottish giants.

After a successful 2021/22 campaign which saw the Gers reach the Europa League final, it is imperative the club keep as many star players as possible if they are to continue their development under Giovanni van Bronckhorst and challenge for the title this season.

Fortunately for the club and fans, they have tied Tavernier to a new long-term contract, with Vickers hailing the defender as one of the best he has seen play for the club in his lifetime.

Vickers told The Rangers Review: “If he keeps on his current trajectory, I think he’ll probably go into the top five all-time Rangers appearances, I’m pretty sure, so I think that’s testament to him.

“The goals he’s scored, his assists, the way he carries himself, it’s a testament, I think, for a lot of people – especially my generation, I’m only 23 years old and he’s one of the best Rangers players that I’ve seen in my lifetime. So, yeah, it’s terrific news.”

1 of 10

How well do you remember where Rangers' signings came in from down the years? Take our quiz to find out! First up, Carlos Pena was the Gers' most expensive arrival during the summer of 2017, but where did he join from?

TIF Thoughts on Tavernier’s new deal…

Last season, Tavernier showed his class as he picked up 18 goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Rangers and led his side to the Europa League final, and this season will hope to do the same in the Champions League if they prevail in the qualification round.

As well as his incredible goal and assists tally, in the last year, Tavernier has ranked in the 98th percentile for non-penalty goals, 96th for aerials won, 92nd for blocks, and the 88th for progressive passes per game compared to other full-backs in the top five leagues (as per FBref).

The 30-year-old had reportedly garnered interest from Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United this summer, which makes Rangers extending Tavernier even more of a statement. He is a player who has the ability to play in the top leagues in world football and will surely go down as a Gers legend once his career comes to an end.