Rangers: Hibs man singles out James Tavernier and John Lundstram after Easter Road clash

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.

Speaking in English, he stated: “It’s a very vertical team that always aims to up the ante in the game. But it’s also very good in short combinations. When it comes to defects, honestly, I don’t know if I have much to say, but I think this is a team that, when under pressure, tends to lose possession of the ball.”

Regarding key players, he continued, “James Tavernier, the captain, is very offensive, physically strong, and experienced. He excels in set pieces. John Lundstram, on the other hand, is the midfield pendulum; he is also very physically strong and controls all the rhythms of the team’s game. Todd Cantwell is a very, very creative midfielder; the ball never cries at his feet, you know.