Rangers star James Tavernier up there with Messi and Ronaldo over this key stat

When you think of the world's most creative players you don't tend to think of full backs.

They have an important role in the modern game with their rampaging runs but few have an impact as big as Rangers defender James Tavernier can boast.

The Ibrox skipper is vital to how Steven Gerrard's side play and it's always obvious how much he is missed when he's not available.

Luckily for the Gers, that's a rare occurrence. He played an incredible 57 games in all competitions, meaning he missed just three of Rangers' 60 matches over the campaign.

One of those was the last game of the season against Kilmarnock when he had a slight knock - and probably deserved an early break. The others were cup games against lower league sides Ayr United and Cowdenbeath.

James Tavernier celebrates his goal (SNS)

He also started 56 out of the 57 games, with an early season fixture against St Mirren his only substitute appearance.

The former Newcastle and Wigan defender made his presence felt as well. The 27-year-old scored 17 times - breaking his own Rangers record - and he set up a further 20 goals.

He did take the Ibrox club's penalties but it's still an impressive record for a right back.

(Getty Images)

But where does he rank alongside some of the best players in the world? According to Opta, only nine players in Europe's top five leagues were involved in more goals in all competitions while Sevilla's Pablo Sarabia is tied with him.

Naturally, Lionel Messi is top of the table.

The full list

James Tavernier (Rangers) - 37 (17 goals, 20 assists)

Pablo Sarabia (Sevilla) - 37 (22 goals, 15 assists)

Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus) - 38 (28 goals, 10 assists)

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) - 38 (31 goals, 7 assists)

Raheem Sterling(Manchester City) - 40 (25 goals, 15 assists)

Karim Benzema (Real Madrid) - 40 (30 goals, 10 assists)

Wissam Ben Yedder (Sevilla) - 41 (30 goals, 11 assists)

Sergio Aguero (Manchester City) - 42 (32 goals, 10 assists)

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich) - 47 (38 goals, 9 assists)

Kylian Mbappe (PSG) - 53 (38 goals, 15 assists)

Lionel Messi (Barcelona) - 69 (50 goals, 19 assists)