Jair Tavares claims that James Tavernier is a “very offensive” weapon for the Rangers with “excellent” set pieces.
In an interview with A Bola on March 12, the Hibs forward singled out the Ibrox skipper and heaped praise on Portuguese colleague Fabio Silva following the 2-0 victory at Easter Road. He also identified three other important players for Philippe Clement’s team.
The “midfield pendulum,” John Lundstram, and the “very, very creative,” Todd Cantwell, according to Tavares, are crucial to the Gers. However, he also identified a potential weakness that he believes Benfica might take advantage of in their return leg at Ibrox on Thursday, March 14: the Gers’ tendency to give up possession when under duress.
In English, he stated, “It is a very vertical team that always tries to increase the intensity of the game.”However, it also works incredibly well in brief combos.
“To be honest, I don’t know if I have much to say about defects, but I believe this is a team that tends to lose possession of the ball under pressure.”
He continued with “The captain, James Tavernier,” as important men.He is highly offensive, physically fit, and experienced.He’s great in set pieces.
The midfield pendulum is John Lundstram, who also has exceptional physical strength and mastery over all the game rhythms for the squad.
“Todd Cantwell is an incredibly inventive midfield player.” As the saying goes in Portuguese, “The ball never cries at his feet.”
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Rangers stars face key test as Benfica head to Ibrox
As one of the several injured members of the Light Blues squad recently, Cantwell’s availability for Clement in Europe is still unknown.
Despite returning from Lisbon last week with an excellent 2-2 draw, an under-strength team has already lost players and will face a formidable challenge in the second leg.
Tavernier’s outstanding performances at full-back have not diminished this season, and it would not be shocking if he was called upon to step up once more this week—two years after finishing as the Europa League’s top scorer.
This week has further demonstrated how important Lundstram is to Clement; therefore, if a costly replacement is not going to be needed, an extension of his expiring contract is a top priority during continuing negotiations with the team.
In the cup, Rangers prevailed in difficult conditions at Easter Road, but the Portuguese powerhouses’ visit will present a greater challenge.
For what may be a close match in Glasgow, the players need to step it up if a tendency to get hustled off the ball in the face of pressure is a legitimate criticism.
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