The “best player” at Ibrox could be the next Rangers captain

Uncertainty has been put to bed, as James Tavernier approaches the final five games of what has been a remarkable 11-year stay at Glasgow Rangers.

For some, this service will be looked back on with frustration, as the Englishman is at the head of a team that has, so far, won just one Premiership and only two major domestic trophies since gaining promotion a decade ago.

For others, however, the departing 34-year-old will be seen as an undoubted beacon of light in turbulent times at Ibrox, a turmoil for the defender who has managed the Gers side so often.

To put it plainly, there won’t be another right-back like him, and not just in Glasgow, who has scored 144 goals in all competitions since joining Wigan Athletic.

He took the lead in that again in 2025/26, although it’s hard to argue with this ideal stoppage time.

Why Rangers and Tavernier made the right decision about his future

On paper, it has been another typical season for Tavernier at Ibrox, with the long-serving captain sitting on top of the pile with 14 goals in all competitions, while also leading the way in total goal involvements (20).

That doesn’t tell the full story, though, with the recent 6-3 win over Falkirk revealing lingering concerns about his defensive appeal, having conceded a penalty in that barnstorming event.

On that afternoon alone, the attacking full-back was shot twice and lost the ball 29 times, perhaps highlighting why manager Danny Rohl favored Dujon Sterling in recent top-flight meetings with Hearts and Celtic.

Sterling’s fitness struggles, after making just 13 appearances this season, may tempt the Light Blues to extend Tavernier’s stay, although as one of the biggest earners at Ibrox, the captain’s exit appears to be a wise decision.

Indeed, Rohl is building an exciting new team for the future, leaving behind the likes of Tavernier, a man who has always had a complicated relationship with those watching at Ibrox.

Love him or hate him, this free-wheeling full-back has been a staple of this team for a long time, and a decision will be made as to who will take this mantle from him.

Rangers have an outstanding player to replace Tavernier as captain

In terms of experience, the likes of John Souttar and Jack Butland will be at the forefront of taking the belt, although the former is no longer a guaranteed starter, while the latter perhaps breaks out like Tavernier, producing a real high this season but also making six mistakes that lead to a shot or a goal.

Recent signings Tuur Rommens and Emmanuel Fernandez have put themselves in contention after strong starts to life at Ibrox, although the standout player may have been Rangers’ standout player in recent weeks, in the form of Nico Raskin.

A fiery figure at times, the Belgian has endured his own upheaval over the past few years, notably falling out with the likes of Philippe Clement and Russell Martin, who was dropped from the Old Firm matchday squad in August.

This is yesterday’s news, however, with the midfielder now front and center under Rohl’s regime, as he has been talismanic of late.

Involved in three of the four goals at home to Aberdeen, the 25-year-old also scored Rommens’ winner against St Mirren, following a superb pass into the box.

There was more to it than that as Raskin was again involved in five of the six goals against Falkirk, putting the long side ahead after the break with his sixth goal of the season.

Now on his way to 16 goals and assists in all competitions, the former Standard Liege man is hitting the real deal, showing again why he was hailed as the club’s “best player” by Chris Sutton.

That status is warranted as well, and given that he has captained Rangers in the past, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him given that honor on a permanent basis.

There is constant talk about his future at the club, however with two years left on his current deal, Rohl and co are under no pressure to sell this summer.

With four goals and an assist in his last four Premiership games, coupled with a string of indirect involvements, the Belgian is hitting his stride at the right time of the season, as the best players do when they are chasing the title.

The next five games could be an audition for him when it comes to the player who will replace Tavernier as captain.

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