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

The uncertainty has been put to bed, with James Tavernier approaching the final five games of what has been a remarkable 11-year stay at Glasgow Rangers.

For some, that service will be looked back upon with frustration, with the Englishman the figurehead of a team that, thus far, have claimed just a solitary Premiership triumph and only two major domestic trophies since securing promotion a decade ago.

For others, however, the departing 34-year-old will be looked upon as the undoubted shining light in somewhat turbulent times at Ibrox, a freak of a full-back who carried this Gers team time and again.

To put it plainly, there won’t be another right-back like him, and not just in Glasgow, having hit 144 goals in all competitions since his bargain arrival from Wigan Athletic.

He leads the way again in that regard in 2025/26, although it’s difficult to argue against this being the right time to call it quits.

Why Rangers and Tavernier have made the right decision over his future

On paper, it has been another typical Tavernier season at Ibrox, the long-serving skipper sitting atop the pile with 14 goals in all competitions, while also leading the way with regard to total goal involvements (20).

That doesn’t tell the full story, however, with the recent 6-3 win over Falkirk laying bare the long-standing concerns over his defensive application, having given away a penalty in that barnstorming affair.

That afternoon alone, the attack-minded right-back was dribbled past twice and lost the ball on 29 occasions, perhaps highlighting why manager Danny Rohl has favoured Dujon Sterling in recent top-of-the-table meetings with both Hearts and Celtic.

Sterling’s own fitness woes, after making only 13 appearances this season, may have tempted the Light Blues to extend Tavernier’s stay, although as one of the top earners at Ibrox, an exit for the captain appears a wise choice.

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

Love him or loathe him, the free-scoring full-back has been the talisman of this side for a long while, with a decision to be made over who will take that mantle from him.

Rangers have a standout candidate to replace Tavernier as captain

In terms of experience, the likes of John Souttar and Jack Butland will be in the frame to take over the armband, albeit with the former no longer a guaranteed starter, and the latter perhaps just as divisive as Tavernier, producing real highs this season but also making six errors leading to a shot or goal.

Recent signings such as Tuur Rommens and Emmanuel Fernandez have put themselves in contention after a fine start to life at Ibrox, although the standout candidate might well be Rangers’ standout player of recent weeks, in the form of Nico Raskin.

A combustible figure at times, the Belgian has endured his own turbulence over the past few years, notably falling out with the likes of Philippe Clement and Russell Martin, having been omitted from the Old Firm matchday squad back in August.

That is yesterday’s news, however, with the midfielder now front and centre again under the Rohl regime, having been particularly talismanic of late.

Involved in three of the four goals at home to Aberdeen, the 25-year-old also teed up Rommens’ winner against St Mirren, following a delightful dinked ball into the box.

There was more where that came from as Raskin was again involved in five of the six goals against Falkirk, putting the away side ahead after the break with his sixth goal of the season.

Now up to 16 goals and assists in all competitions, the former Standard Liege man is hitting a real purple patch, once again showcasing why he was hailed as the club’s “best player” by Chris Sutton.

That status is warranted again, and considering he has already captained Rangers in the recent past, it would be no surprise to see him given that honour on a permanent basis.

There is, of course, persistent talk over his future at the club, yet with two years rather than one left on his existing deal, Rohl and co are under no pressure to sell heading into this summer.

With four goals and assists in his last four Premiership games, alongside a string of more indirect involvements, the Belgian is hitting his stride at the right time of the season, just as the best players do in a title run-in.

These next five games could be the perfect audition for him when it comes to naming Tavernier’s replacement as skipper.

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