Javes Tavernier has revealed that he and Borna Barisic look to Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s relationship at Liverpool for inspiration.
The Rangers skipper, who sealed their massive Europa League play-off win over Galatasaray on Thursday night with a header and ensured their passage to the group stages, name dropped some of the great right backs of the game when asked who he looked up to.
But it’s the Liverpool pair that provide the most practical example for him and Barisic.
The Scotland captain and the Melwood academy graduate are regarded as two of the best in the world, and are constantly challenging each other to provide more assists.
With the Liverpool influence at Ibrox already strong thanks to Steven Gerrard, Tavernier explained how he and Baraisic can use it to keep demanding more of each other.
"Trent is a lot younger than me!” said Tavernier. “But those two, Trent and Andy Robertson, have been at the top of their game.
"They won the Premier League last season and are instrumental in the way Liverpool play with their full-backs.
"But I always look back at the likes of Dani Alves, Marcelo and Cafu - top full-backs who are instrumental in their team.
"As a full-back, you always try to do your best but they are at the top of their game.
"They are top players in a Premier League-winning team and it's always good to look at how they are playing, and compare your game.
"Me and Borna are always trying to push each other on with our deliveries and set-pieces. It's good and hopefully we can help the team even more.
"Borna and I always have a little joke about assists and I'll say to him, 'That's one more' when he gets one.
"But we are in the team to first and foremost, keep goals out. After that. we are in there to provide for the team.
"If that's goals, assists or other play, then that's what we need to do and what the gaffer requires from us.
"Borna has had a great start to the season and his assists are racking up.
"It was a great goal when you look back. Starting all the way from the back and building up the pitch.
"Luckily enough, I managed to put it in the back of the net. We are very proud of that as that's the football we like to play."
