Steven Gerrard puzzles Kris Boyd with treatment of Rangers ace

Steven Gerrard has puzzled Rangers hero Kris Boyd with the dearth of minutes the Ibrox boss has awarded defender Nathan Patterson over captain James Tavernier thus far this season.

Boyd has penned his bewilderment in a column for The Scottish Solar, suggesting Gerrard is hindering Patterson’s improvement at present. The Gers boss has solely given the 20-year-old 5 appearances, starting 4, all through all competitions this time interval.

In distinction, Tavernier has opened 15 of his 16 outings all through 2021/22, for 1,378-minutes – 1,042-minutes larger than Patterson thus far. Though Boyd feels the Rangers skipper has not delivered on the equivalent customary as anticipated from the 29-year-old.

Boyd notably questions why Gerrard has solely awarded Patterson four-minutes inside the Premiership since Rangers beat Hibernian earlier this month. The Glasgow-native provided the assistance for Kemar Roofe’s equaliser in the direction of Jack Ross’ side on his first outing of the time interval.

“What’s occurring there?” Boyd contemplated. “The youthful right-back received right here into the side for the game in the direction of Hibs, he carried out properly, and the crew obtained. However he’s not been seen since. As a substitute James Tavernier has carried out when his ranges have dropped significantly.

“He’s clearly the membership captain and it’s presumably extra sturdy for Gerrard to depart him out. Nevertheless Patterson’s progress is being stunted and that’s not doing him or his market price any good. I merely take a look at Rangers correct now and one factor is off.”

Should Gerrard bench Rangers captain Tavernier for Patterson?

Gerrard acknowledged after Rangers beat Hibs that he fielded Patterson over Tavernier as he trusts the right-back to step in if needed and afford his teammate chances to take a break. However has not felt that exact same need since, to depart Boyd questioning what’s happening at Ibrox.

Tavernier is giving Gerrard little trigger to take him out of the side inside the Premiership correct now, nonetheless. His crossing was pinpoint in the direction of St Mirren as he seemingly turned a nook to create Alfredo Morelos’ winner. And positioned the Colombian as soon as extra to realize in the direction of Aberdeen sooner than netting his second goal of the season thus far, too.

The Englishman has had quite a few defensive lapses to let opponents in behind, nonetheless is atoning for these errors. And Tavernier making up for his private errors may even protect Patterson out of Gerrard’s plans at Rangers.

In numerous information, ‘Phenomenal; like Pogba’: Bielsa’s £8m Leeds goal rips Bayern Munich aside