Owen Hargreaves compares on-fire Rangers star to Barcelona legend

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Owen Hargreaves has told BT Sport’s Europa League highlights show that Rangers captain James Tavernier’s record in front of goal this season would even make Barcelona legend Dani Alves proud.

The 29-year-old continued his stunning form as a slightly below-par Rangers saw off a brave Standard Liege to clinch qualification for the knockout rounds of the Europa League with a 3-2 win at Ibrox.

Tavernier was at fault for Liege’s second goal, out of position and allowing Duje Cop to score at the back post. However, the right-back made amends – scoring a penalty to make it 2-2, his 15th goal of the season.

Connor Goldson had scored beforehand and Scott Arfield netted a second-half winner to see Rangers through. Tavernier now has stats of 15 goals, nine of which are penalties, and 10 assists – and Hargreaves is impressed.

“Unbelievable, I think Dani Alves would be proud of those numbers – 15 goals and 10 assists,” Hargeaves claimed, with Alves renowned for scoring and creating at Barcelona – 21 goals and 101 assists for the Spanish giants.

TBR’s view – Can Rangers keep Tavernier at Ibrox?

Tavernier has had a hand in 25 goals from right-back this season – absolutely astounding stats, even if he is the club’s penalty taker. Remove those spot-kicks and he has still scored six times, an incredible feat.

With those stats, though, means interest in his services is only to increase. Premier League clubs are likely to come sniffing, but the Europa League knockout rounds and potentially stopping Celtic’s 10 will surely see him stay.