Criticism of the former Rangers captain: His departure is
Why it matters
James Tavernier's departure from Rangers marked a significant change for the club, who now find themselves having to adapt their defensive strategy. His experience and attacking ability have been crucial to the team, and his absence could affect their performance in the Scottish Premiership. The new direction under Derek McInnes requires a tactical rebalancing, which makes the adaptation of the new players on the roster crucial.
Context
James Tavernier, former Rangers captain, has left the club after 11 years to join Maccabi Tel Aviv. His departure has raised questions about Rangers' ability to maintain a competitive level in the Scottish Premiership as the team adapts to a new era under the leadership of Derek McInnes.
Key points
- Criticism of the former Rangers captain: His departure is.
- Rangers have started a new era with Derek McInnes after significant changes to the squad.
- Pundit Slams Former Rangers Captain And Legend: Was His Departure Right For The Club?.
One of the most significant changes was the transfer of long-serving captain James Tavernier, who ended his 11-year spell at Ibrox to join Maccabi Tel Aviv. His departure deprived Rangers of one of their most prolific attacking defenders, although McInnes has already reshaped the role to meet various tactical needs. Ross McCrorie offers defensive reliability and positional flexibility, while Kosta Nedeljković provides an energetic alternative on loan from Aston Villa. These choices show McInnes' preference for a more balanced defence, particularly as Rangers look to win domestic trophies and provide greater defensive security without sacrificing attacking intent.
Meanwhile, Tavernier found it difficult to convince everyone in Israel. According to a Glasgow Times article by Martin McMillan, former Israel international Maor Kandil has criticized the 35-year-old's initial performances for Maccabi Tel Aviv, calling him "overrated" and claiming the public are reluctant to question the hype surrounding his arrival. Kandil questioned the full-back's contribution, saying he saw no effective dribbles, key passes, important tackles or assists.
So far, Tavernier has made five appearances in the 2026/27 season, starting in all matches for a total of 415 minutes. He scored one goal from the penalty spot, but provided no assists and completed 82.9% of his passes. Kandil said: "This is an opinion that people are afraid to express, but James Tavernier is overrated. They gave him a big spotlight here when he signed. But I don't see him going up against players one-on-one, I haven't seen a key pass from him, I haven't seen a major tackle, I haven't seen an assist. What does he bring to the team? It's nothing special. Sorry, but I don't see enough from Tavernier at the moment."
The Rangers had legitimate reasons to continue. Tavernier's attacking record in 11 years at Ibrox made him an influential figure, but his forays forward could leave spaces in the back, increasing pressure on central defenders and midfield. McInnes' approach requires greater positional discipline from his full-backs, making the change understandable from a tactical point of view. McCrorie and Nedeljković offer the manager options on the right, while Lawrence Shankland brings another experienced voice to the dressing room. Tavernier's departure also created space to review the wage bill. Although Kandil's criticisms concern Tavernier's early performances, not his entire career. Rangers should recognize their former captain's contribution without considering his past successes as evidence that retaining him would have been beneficial to McInnes' plans. His record at Ibrox deserves respect, even if the manager's current system requires a different profile.
What happens now
Rangers will continue to look to consolidate their position in the Scottish Premiership, with the aim of winning domestic trophies. With Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljković adapting to their new roles, it will be interesting to watch how the team tackles the next challenges. Tavernier's performances at Maccabi Tel Aviv could also influence perceptions about his transfer and Rangers' future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Rangers' last match against Maccabi Tel Aviv?
The article does not specify the result of the last match between Rangers and Maccabi Tel Aviv.
How has James Tavernier's departure impacted the Scottish Premiership standings?
The article does not provide specific details on the impact of James Tavernier's departure on the Scottish Premiership standings.
What's Rangers' next game?
The article does not mention the next Rangers game.
What have been Rangers' recent results in the Scottish Premiership?
Rangers recorded back-to-back victories against arch-rivals Celtic and a clear 4-0 win against St Johnstone.
Who replaced James Tavernier at Rangers?
Ross McCrorie and Kosta Nedeljković were mentioned as alternatives following the departure of James Tavernier.
