Former Rangers striker Kenny Miller has expressed astonishment at James Tavernier’s exceptional goal tally this season, while also emphasizing the urgent need for other players to contribute more in terms of scoring. Tavernier, a defender, registered an impressive 17 goals across all competitions, finishing the campaign as the Scottish club’s leading goal scorer.
In light of this situation, Miller has urged the club’s primary striker to aim for a minimum of 20 goals in the upcoming season. In an article for the Daily Record, he wrote, “The club’s main striker this season has to get 20 goals. That’s non-negotiable, whoever it is. Alfredo Morelos’ goals have to be replaced.”
Furthermore, Miller pondered the sustainability of Tavernier’s remarkable goal-scoring ability from the full-back position. He referred to Tavernier as a “freak of nature” in this regard and expressed concern over the fact that a right-back was the top scorer for Rangers last season. Miller stated, “I’m sorry, but that can’t happen. As good as it is for Tav, it’s a damning indictment of the team.”
While acknowledging that Tavernier takes penalties and free-kicks, Miller emphasized the worry this situation poses for Rangers’ manager, Michael Beale. Although Beale can take solace in Tavernier’s effectiveness from set pieces and long-range shots, it is simply not satisfactory for the team’s leading goal scorer to be a right-back.
The departure of Colombian international Alfredo Morelos has amplified the need for Rangers to secure a top-class striker who can consistently find the back of the net. Despite Antonio Colak finishing as the team’s second-highest goal scorer last season with 14 goals, his future at Ibrox remains uncertain. To address this issue, the club has recently acquired the services of Sam Lammers, but Beale may still pursue additional attacking options in the coming months.
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As Rangers prepare for the upcoming campaign, it is evident that the responsibility of scoring goals must be more evenly distributed across the team. While Tavernier’s prolific goal-scoring contributions from the right-back position have been remarkable, the club needs a reliable and proficient striker to ensure a well-rounded attack. Only by addressing this issue can Rangers aspire to achieve their ambitions in the upcoming season.
Sam Lammers has since been brought in to help fix this solution, but Beale could yet add further firepower to his squad in the coming months.