The Hibs attacker singled out the Ibrox captain in an interview with A Bola (12 March) where he heaped praise on Portuguese compatriot Fabio Silva after the 2-0 victory at Easter Road, and picked out three more key men in Philippe Clement’s side.

Tavares pointed to “midfield pendulum” John Lundstram and the “very, very creative” Todd Cantwell as vital for the Gers, but highlighted a potential weakness he feels Benfica could exploit in their return leg at Ibrox on Thursday (14 March) in that he says the Gers concede possession under pressure.

He said, translated into English: “It is a very vertical team, which always tries to increase the intensity of the game, at all times. But it’s also very good in short combinations.

“When it comes to defects, honestly, I don’t know if I have much to say, but I think this is a team that, when under pressure, tends to lose possession of the ball.”

On crucial men, he added: “The captain, James Tavernier. He is experienced, physically strong and extremely offensive. In set pieces he is excellent.

“Then John Lundstram is the midfield pendulum, he is also very physically strong and controls all the rhythms of the team’s game.

“Todd Cantwell is a very, very creative midfielder. The ball never cries at his feet, as they say in Portuguese slang.”

Rangers stars face key test as Benfica head to Ibrox

Cantwell has been one of the many out injured in the Light Blues squad of late so it is as-yet unclear whether he will be available for Clement in Europe.

An understrength side came back from Lisbon last week with an impressive 2-2 draw, but have continued losing players since and face a significant challenge in the second leg either way.

Tavernier’s incredible numbers from full-back have shown no sign of letting up this term, and two years after finishing as the top scorer in the Europa League it would be no surprise if he was required to step up once more this week.

Lundstram’s importance for Clement has equally been highlighted this week, making an extension to his expiring contract a priority amid ongoing talks with the club if an expensive replacement isn’t going to be required.

Rangers got the job done in testing circumstances in the cup at Easter Road but face a bigger test with the visit of the Portuguese giants.

If a propensity to be harried off the ball in the face of pressing is a valid critique then the players need to crack down on that for what could be a tight clash in Glasgow.

This article was originally posted here