28 Apr 2026 22:14:41
Think I've mentioned this before on here in my fairly limited contribution, however, I feel like we need James Tavernier on the park to for us the greatest chance of scoring goals and winning games.
Probably not at right back, Sterling is the better defender. But we needed width against Motherwell and for someone to pin their wingers back which he did to a far greater extent than anyone else in the first half before he came on.
It's also evident that he is the best set piece taker at the club, I agree that sometimes he frustrates but imo there's not another player in the squad who can lace his boots when it comes to corners & free kicks. Both of which could be vital in next 4 games.
Interested to hear thoughts on if anyone agrees and, if so, where he should be played. DR clearly not up for playing Antman or Skov Olsen on right so, imo, no reason why Tavernier can't play there.
28 Apr 2026 22:59:45
You make a very good point.
My opinion.
Last 4 matches, we need to find a way to get Tav on the pitch from the start.
28 Apr 2026 23:37:09
I am a massive fan of Tav. He's been the most creative full back in our history.
In fact, he's actually a wing back who's always had to play in a back 4 and has very rarely had support on the right wing.
He's not perfect, but he's still creating chances. Play him!!!
29 Apr 2026 00:21:05
James Tavernier is our top scorer. He has the highest amount of outfield appearances this season. In terms of average match rating, Tavernier has the 3rd highest rating overall. Yes, he should be playing in every game.
29 Apr 2026 00:31:38
I've been suggesting since last season playing Tav further up the park, as it would remove the defensive risk but keep our best set piece taker & deliverer into the box on the pitch.
Have not seen anything from anyone else to show why Tav shouldn't get a chance there, & I will be gutted to see him go. If he could play as a winger, I'd keep him for another season at least.
29 Apr 2026 07:04:48
CO2 agreed, and Sterling at times seems more solid at back, but if this team is to progress, we will need better next season and imo both need replaced as both have strengths and weaknesses - but we will need a fully fit RB for season who defends as primary focus and can motor up and down, and at present we do have a bit of both - but one at end of career and other too injury prone.
?
29 Apr 2026 07:47:26
Tav can't play with his back to goal, press from the front, and is terrible at breaking offside traps.
Quite simply, he cannot play on the RW, which is why virtually no manager has ever played him in that role.
He is, though, our best option at RB, and should start the final 4 games, providing he is fit to do so.
29 Apr 2026 09:00:39
All we are doing is moving his defensive liability forward.
And he doesn't have the legs.
29 Apr 2026 09:23:20
Playing a back 3 with wing backs fixes all the Tav / Sterling problems.
29 Apr 2026 10:03:20
In my opinion he should be nowhere near the team. He was caught up the park yet again for the winning goal on Sunday, and was seen jogging back on camera, hardly trying hard to get back to cover his own errors! I wouldn't trust Sterling to stay fit for the rest of the games either tbh.
Not entirely sure what the answer to this is, but Tav most certainly is not in my view.
29 Apr 2026 10:24:57
Sterling was that bad at the weekend. I would consider playing Tav.
29 Apr 2026 10:34:45
Oooft. ?⬆️?
29 Apr 2026 12:46:16
How do you know Tav is terrible at breaking offside traps? As a full back, when have we ever seen him in this position?
29 Apr 2026 15:09:54
Wslgers, as I've worked with him.
29 Apr 2026 15:47:44
I've always felt for Tav when considering the amount of stick he gets, EHL. We know he's suspect defensively, but his style definitely suits a WB instead of a typical RB position.
People kind of forget that he's never had a consistent partner on the right wing as well.
He's been doing that job bombing up the right on his own for a decade.
Think of the amount of help Barisic and Kent gave each other in the attacking phases/transitions of play.