- Patterson looking for more first team opportunities?
- Combination of injuries and competition affected him
- The Scotsman is saLearning from last summers mistakes
Everton defender Nathan Patterson has struggled to establish himself at the Blues due to a combination of injuries and competition for places.
Several reports have stated that the Scotsman has put contract talks on hold with David Moyes’ side.
After a long time out of his national side, he’s been included in this month’s friendly fixtures against Japan and the Ivory Coast as they prepare for their first World Cup since 1998.
The Toffees defender took part in their press conference, where he said, “ Obviously, you want to play as much as you can, but it’s not really up to me, I can only do what I can on the pitch.”
Patterson’s future in doubt
Patterson made his breakthrough at Scottish side Rangers, and after two great seasons at the club, he made the switch to Everton in an £11.5 million deal.
He was viewed as a long-term successor to Everton veteran Seamus Coleman.
However, it has not gone to plan on Merseyside for the 24-year-old so far in his career.
Since his arrival four years ago, he has failed to step into the first team, with 20 Premier League appearances being the most he’s made in one season.
Whether that’s through injuries or a lack of trust from managers, he’s failed to get going at ‘The People’s Club’.
Patterson said he has learnt a lot over these past years, though he still believes in his ability.
“I’ve matured a bit now; I’ve experienced a lot of ups and downs. Quite a lot of downs, to be honest, in terms of injuries.”
He continued.
“I always believe in myself as well. You need to have that when you’re at a high level. You need to have that confidence.”
The Scottish defender will be hoping to represent his country this summer at the World Cup, despite having only 239 league minutes under his belt this season.
Patterson claims his focus is fully on his nation right now, and he’ll see how other things progress down the line.
“Yeah, 100 percent (can play for Scotland without playing at Everton).
“That’s a discussion for myself and the manager to have (on his future). But my focus is just on Scotland right now.”
Everton right-back situation
If Patterson were to leave the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer, there would likely be discussions about the club’s next steps.
It would leave them with two possible options being club captain Coleman and fellow Irish international Jake O’Brien.
Coleman has made just three league appearances this year at 37-years-old, and while O’Brien has been relied upon heavily, with European football a strong possibility, they will want strong competition.
BBC Sport reported in December that Everton were considering bringing in a right back in January, though no one joined up with Moyes’ squad.
The Blues will also want to avoid making a signing for the sake of it, like they did last summer on the other side, with left back Adam Aznou still yet to make his Premier League debut.
The door to Finch Farm is truly open to a right back this summer if Patterson’s sale is sanctioned, but the Toffees must avoid the mistakes of last summer as they look to continue to build under their Scottish manager.
