Tav the CB

[Scott7 6,494]

I’ve only seen highlights of the Kilmarnock game which of course tell you nothing so can anyone who was there say how Tav played at CB? Pretty well by most observations in the MOTM topic. I doubt he was a McLeish style crash bang walloper maybe more Willie Miller sorting things out, keeping them neat and tidy but without Miller’s useful streak of venom. Do you pick him at CB for Motherwell? A backline of Ridvan, Tav, Pröpper amd Jefte isn’t exactly iron clad, is it? But who else is able to stand let alone play?

[CammyF 9,120]

4 minutes ago, Scott7 said:

I’ve only seen highlights of the Kilmarnock game which of course tell you nothing so can anyone who was there say how Tav played at CB? Pretty well by most observations in the MOTM topic. I doubt he was a McLeish style crash bang walloper maybe more Willie Miller sorting things out, keeping them neat and tidy but without Miller’s useful streak of venom. Do you pick him at CB for Motherwell? A backline of Ridvan, Tav, Pröpper amd Jefte isn’t exactly iron clad, is it? But who else is able to stand let alone play?

When he moved to CB, the defen e immediately improved. He brought a sense of calmness as up until then, the defence was all over the place. 

 

I said on the MOTM thread, this was what enabled us to get back into the game. As others said, with Ridvan at RB, we went narrow (almost a 4-2-2-2) that allowed us to pass through the Killie press. 

 

I believe that's the 3rd or 4th time he's moved to CB and performed well. The only downside is we don't have a fit RB to take his position. 

[Sutton_blows_goats 5,958]

It was his physicality that made the difference. The big diddy forwards couldn't bully him. Really does hit home how bad our recruitment is constantly signing wet wipe defenders. 

[Rousseau 11,422]

I'd recall Devine. 

[compo 7,655]

No i would stick with the youngster Nsiala when we lost those two goals it wasn’t all his fault the second goal I’d put down to Raskin no tick with the lad Tavs done and hopefully got rid off with a few others come May .

[der Berliner 4,033]

Before the start of the game I looked at the bench an thought: no King? Nothing against Fernandes, but he's even less tried than Nsiala, who looked good so far. King might be old school, but has seen lots of football at this level and against this opposition. A more solid choice.

 

Wednesday was all about composure and calmness at the back. If you had asked me, I wouldn't exactly see that in Tavernier, but he did admirably and steadied the ship. Ridvan also slotted in well enough.

 

Regarding the topical question, I'd have no problem with Tav on the right of a back 3, not least in games like these. Would free up a DM slot and allow the wing-players to operate further forward without having to think about defending. 3-4-3 or 3-5-2. We can switch to our defensive approach of 4-2-3-1 in European or games against them, but it is rarely required against Scottish teams ... which 10 out of 10 of our managers of the last decade didn't grasp.

[Devil's advocaat 1,759]

Nsiala was very good in his first few games, it would do him no harm to miss a few games, work on being a little more aggressive and assertive, which is something that can be taught.

 

Propper needs someone steady beside him, which is fine at Nsiala's age, less so at proppers. 

 

Tavernier is a very good at communicator, I think CH is a great option for him in the latter stages of his career.

 

King isn't going to make it IMHO.

Edited Friday at 16:24 by Devil's advocaat

[Ready1314 51]

Absolute madness anybody suggesting Tavernier at CB , hes one game away from his next disaster whether hes at FB or CB.

 

Hes seen off 7 managers and whoever the new boss is he should get shot of him immediately.

[Ready1314 51]

1 hour ago, Devil's advocaat said:

Nsiala was very good in his first few games, it would do him no harm to miss a few games, work on being a little more aggressive and assertive, which is something that can be taught.

 

Propper needs someone steady beside him, which is fine at Nsiala's age, less so at proppers. 

 

Tavernier is a very good at communicator, I think CH is a great option for him in the latter stages of his career.

 

King isn't going to make it IMHO.

Nsiala has got to bulk up a bit , hes easily bullied. Hes never going to learn from Propper hes even worse.

[CammyF 9,120]

3 minutes ago, Ready1314 said:

Absolute madness anybody suggesting Tavernier at CB , hes one game away from his next disaster whether hes at FB or CB.

 

Hes seen off 7 managers and whoever the new boss is he should get shot of him immediately.

So Stephen Gerrard, one of the greatest midfield players / captains of his generation was wrong to make Tav captain and play him continually? 

 

So Gio, a European Cup winner, World Cup finalist and wonderful midfield player was wrong to make Tav captain and play him continually? 

 

So Barry Ferguson, best home-grown Rangers player for a generation (at least), decorated Captain is wrong to make Tav captain and play him? 

 

With all due respect, maybe Gio, SG and BF know what makes a Ranger and a Captain more than wee Boab the joiner? 

 

If we had more players with Tav's attitude, numbers, fitness etc in the last decade, maybe, just maybe "he" wouldn't have seen off 7 managers.