As word gets out of James Tavernier’s departure, John Souttar is favored to be the new Rangers captain

When James Tavernier leaves the Rangers at Ibrox, Mark Guidi believes John Souttar will take over as the team’s new “long-term captain.”

Under Steve Clarke, the Scotland international has emerged as one of Philippe Clement’s most reliable players this season and has made an impression on the global scene.

Former Sunday Mail writer Guidi thinks Souttar is the best candidate to unseat the Englishman in the future, even if it’s unknown whether Tavernier will still be a Gers player come January’s transfer window.

He made this statement when appearing on The Go Radio Football Show on October 18, 41:20: “I’ve always liked John Souttar, so it’s great to get him for nothing on a free transfer.”

We often say that about center halves, and at 28, he should be entering the finest five years of his career as a central defender. We said that Jack Butland would get the armband if James Tavernier left this summer.

“I can see that, but in my opinion, John Souttar is the Rangers’ long-term captain.”

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Though Souttar hasn’t always been a favorite among Gers fans, he has undoubtedly grown into a vital member of Clement’s team at Ibrox over the last year or so.

Although Souttar and Robin Propper’s connection hasn’t been flawless this season, the Scottish international has always been more at ease on the right side of the center-back duo than he has on the left.

Hopefully, this return to form isn’t a fluke and the center-back will keep making an impression through the end of the season. The defender’s new role and position have allowed him to have more of an impact on proceedings in possession. He has also looked much more at ease and decisive without the ball at his feet.

Teams who have strong defenses win trophies, and Souttar is now the strongest defense at Ibrox.