Rangers fans all say the same about ‘record-breaker’ James Tavernier after Porto ‘disaster’

James Tavernier faced the wrath of angry Rangers supporters as the experienced defender made a key error during the defeat to Porto.

Djeidi Gassama has been linked with an exit, but it was the former Sheffield Wednesday winger who opened the scoring after just six minutes on Thursday, 29 January.

However, before the half-time whistle was sounded, the Portuguese giants had turned the game on its head, with goals from Rodrigo Mora, Francisco Moura, and an Emmanuel Fernandez own goal.

Jack Butland has had his critics this season, though there was very little he could do about the equaliser, before the goalkeeper clashed with Tavernier to concede a comical goal nine minutes later.

James Tavernier has game to forget on a record-equalling night

Described as an “absolute disaster” by the duo, fans were left fuming, especially having taken the lead, but most of the blame landed on the captain’s shoulders for his role in the goal.

It was supposed to be a momentous occasion for Tavernier, who had equalled Allan McGregor‘s record of 109 European matches. Just 90 minutes later, fans were out for blood at the Estadio Do Dragao.

The captain was accused of “bottling it,” something which McGregor “never” did, with many clearly blaming the experienced defender for the Light Blues’ demise in Portugal.

• @MeirsPorgan2024: “Hopefully, it’s his last Euro game; he’s painfully slow and drags the team down.”
• @JAMAC1977: “Do we get a trophy for that? And yet again, his performance loses us ANOTHER important game.”
• @MsVC79: “He also sets the record for how many calamities one person can possibly make.”

Rangers captain’s stats only get worse in Europa League defeat

Rangers fans are ready for Tavernier to leave, which would bring an end to 10 illustrious years at Ibrox. But since moving to centre-back, the 34-year-old has become key in Danny Rohl‘s plans.

Against Porto, however, his weaknesses were fully exposed. In 90 minutes, he made a mistake leading to a goal, completed just 78 per cent of his passes, only delivered one accurate cross, and made a foul [FotMob].

He also won just 33 per cent of his ground duels, completed none of his attempted dribbles, and lost his only attempt at winning an aerial duel. It doesn’t make for good reading.

Fernandez has been an incredible addition to the squad, with several European teams keeping tabs on the centre-back, while Nasser Djiga has the odd slip-up at Ibrox.

John Souttar also came off the bench, surprisingly not for Tavernier, but other than those names, there are very few options across the backline currently.

If the Gers want to replace their captain, it could be a rather expensive dive in the transfer market.

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