As overjoyed Rangers players gathered in the centre circle of the Philips Stadion after overcoming PSV Eindhoven to reach the Champions League for the first time in 12 years, the beaming smile of James Tavernier caught the eye.
During his lengthy stay in Govan, the Yorkshireman has been at the forefront of Rangers' push to return to former glories. During turbulent times the captain was often the brunt of unfair criticism, yet he remained committed to the club that plucked him from obscurity.
Tavernier arrived at Rangers as an unwanted cast-off from Wigan Athletic seven years ago. There was little enthusiasm surrounding his capture for an undisclosed fee - hardly surprising considering the plethora of unglamorous loan stints on his résumé.
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His nomadic existence had, naturally, dented his self-belief; he was in dire need of a permanent residence, a platform to showcase his worth, and Mark Warburton provided him with an opportunity to stop drifting and finally settle. It is not a coincidence that Tavernier often describes Rangers as ‘home,’ and his gratefulness to the club has been apparent via his actions.
Tavernier, described as a ‘machine’ by Steven Gerrard, has rarely missed a match since first pulling on a blue jersey at Easter Road. His durability remains his most underrated attribute, and his exemplary attendance record highlights his athleticism and professionalism.
The Englishman’s career at Rangers is incomparable. He started in the Scottish Championship - even collecting a Challenge Cup winner’s medal - and has since joined an esteemed list of players to captain the club in a European final. His story is unique, and it will be retold for decades to come.
The improvement in playing personnel since Tavernier's early days at Rangers has been considerable, yet he remains irreplaceable. His dissenters criticise his non-demonstrative style, but he leads by example and never shirks responsibility.
Often derided for a perceived lack of defensive awareness, the marauding full-back is certainly more at ease gallivanting forward than attempting to thwart a tricky winger in full flight. He has become more defensively astute as his game has evolved, but his phenomenal output in the final third remains the headline-generator.
The Englishman has notched 86 goals and provided 109 assists during his spell in Govan, and he may join Alfredo Morelos in the 100 Club this season. Being the penalty-taker in a side that dictates proceedings in almost every match has helped enhance his productivity, but from 12 yards or 20 yards, Tavernier is a constant menace to the opposition.
The 30-year-old ended the Europa League last season as the top goalscorer in the competition - and his first strike did not even arrive until the knockout stages. Tavernier's late forays to the back post have become synonymous with Euro nights under the lights, and his contribution during the run to the final was significant.
Despite his impressive numbers, Tavernier has, curiously, rarely been linked with a move away from Scotland. West Brom attempted to prise him south four years ago, yet it never materialised. There is little doubt he could comfortably compete in a top-five league, but his contentment at Rangers continues to override any inclination to pursue a fresh challenge.
Tavernier recently penned a contract extension, and it would be logical to assume the final years of his career will be in Glasgow. He has acknowledged that he finds it difficult to envisage playing for another club, and his standing at Ibrox grows with each passing season.
Lucas Radebe was honoured with a testimonial match in 2005 for his services to Leeds United - and just like the defender he idolised as a youngster, Tavernier eventually could be similarly rewarded for his unwavering loyalty to his adopted club.
More silverware is required for Tavernier to cement his legacy over the next few seasons, but a place in the club’s Hall of Fame is already secured.
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