James Tavernier’s Rangers “lieutenants” praised by Philippe Clement: who are they?.
Rangers captain James Tavernier is essential to Philippe Clement’s operation because he understands that you can’t do it all alone in leadership.
Wearing the captain’s armband and making a significant contribution to the park, the Ibrox skipper leads by example on the field with his unwavering consistency and abundance of goals.
This is the exact reason why, upon commencing his role as Ibrox gaffer, Philippe Clement initially spoke with James Tavernier in an attempt to determine the exact cause of the problems in Govan.
But as Tav banged in goals number 119 and 120 against St Johnstone to equal the goal tally of the greatest ever Ranger and
fellow defender John Greig, Clement claims that even Rangers’ captain fantastic needs all the help he can get.
Philippe Clement “happy” with James Tavernier
Praying for the trusted “lieutenants” of the Rangers skipper, Clement asserts that the day-to-day management of the Ibrox dressing room is a shared duty.
James Tavernier’s participation was also acknowledged by Philippe Clement, but the Belgian was eager to emphasize the value of the team rather than the individual as he usually is.
“I am content with Tav,” Clement declared. “I spoke with him first among the players.” If you know there is a fire in a building when you enter, that is also the standard procedure.
“I needed all the information because I wanted to see how quickly I could put out the fire.” It is customary to discuss it with the captain first, and he was frank and open about everything in the club, the locker room, and even about himself. Thus, that was a crucial step.
In this dressing room, there is a divided leadership, but he feels good about himself and the other players who take responsibility for each other and get along really well. Thus, that’s also crucial.
“You can be alone in the desert if you’re alone, but he now has a few lieutenants nearby who are very powerful and helpful, so it’s crucial to have that support system.”
Who are the Rangers leadership group?
Whilst Philippe Clement didn’t drop any names specifically, the Rangers leadership group are those who support James Tavernier in the execution of his duties at Ibrox.
This is those players who take on the responsibility of hammering home the Ibrox standards to the squad and making sure everyone understands what’s expected of them at the club.
They have the job of motivating their teammates, assimilating new signings into the squad, and making sure everyone at Rangers feels valued and part of what Clement describes as a “really nice environment to come into”.
But who exactly are the players Philippe Clement is referring to?
It will not surprise you know that Tavernier’s most trusted lieutenant is long-time teammate and centre-back stalwart Connor Goldson, the club’s on-pitch vocal leader.
Then there is midfielder John Lundstram – currently involved in contract negotiations over a new deal – who is viewed as a crucial player under Philippe Clement’s leadership.
With Scott Arfield and Allan McGregor previously completing the Rangers leadership group, two summer signings have stepped up in their absence.
These are Nigerian international and veteran defender Leon Balogun, the passionate defender rejoining in the summer after a successful two-year stint at the club.
Incoming Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland – who is in line for a recall to the England set-up – has also emerged as a leader in the squad.
Amongst them, these four players set the standards and lead the players at Rangers alongside James Tavernier and complete Philippe Clement‘s leadership group.
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