Arsenal
Aston Villa
Chelsea
Crystal Palace
Everton
Fulham
Leeds United
Liverpool
Manchester City
Manchester United
Newcastle United
Nottingham Forest
Southampton
Tottenham Hotspur
West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers
News
Si Ferry suggests Rangers star is better than Leeds defender, thinks ER is ideal move
Open Goal host Simon Ferry has claimed on the that Rangers captain James Tavernier is better than Leeds United defender Luke Ayling have played with the latter – and thinks Leeds would be ideal for Tavernier.
Tavernier, 29, is in the form of his life. He took his goal involvements to a whopping 30 on Sunday as Rangers beat Dundee United 2-1, netting a free-kick from 30 yards before creating Connor Goldson’s header at Tannadice.
Though he has netted nine penalties, Tavernier has taken his tally to 17 for the season – while also laying on 13 assists in 27 league and cup appearances. He has a contract at Ibrox until the summer of 2022, meaning his long-term future is in doubt.
Ex-Celtic, Swindon and Portsmouth midfielder Ferry – who hosts Open Goal – believes Tavernier is better than Ayling and thinks Leeds would be perfect for the Bradford-born ace, claiming he is better than Ayling having played against the Leeds man.
“I played against the Leeds right-back, Luke Ayling,” . “I think he [Tavernier] is better than him. I can’t believe he’s playing in the Premier League, obviously he’s done very well. Bielsa has made him a lot better.
“But in terms of ability, Tavernier is a lot better. Leeds would suit him, aye. That sort of team. Everyone that goes from Scotland to England does well, John McGinn got a five-year deal. He’s [Tavernier] the best crosser by a mile, in the league.”
TBR’s view – Is Tavernier really better than Ayling?
Tavernier would be a sensational signing for Leeds. Ayling has been fantastic for the Whites but has certainly found the step into the Premier League tough, as have many of the club’s consistent performers – including Jack Harrison and Stuart Dallas.
Many will feel Tavernier is only shining because his form comes in Scotland, but in his six appearances in the Europa League group stage – he helped Rangers pick up 14 points from 18 and had a hand in five goals.
Tavernier will be fit enough for Bielsa’s Leeds given Steven Gerrard’s standards – and is the perfect type of right-back for the Leeds system. But at 29, is he a player Leeds would go after? Probably not.
