Nathan Patterson made his full debut for Rangers when he got a start against League One outfit Stranraer FC in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. The Bears managed a comfortable 2-0 win and Patterson put in a decent shift showing why he is highly rated in Rangers’ youth setup.
The fullback signed a contract extension in December which would keep him at Ibrox until 2022. Patterson is being seen as a successor to James Tavernier who has served the club well over the last few years. The Scottish youngster though recently said that he wants to emulate Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool while he is playing at Rangers.
Patterson reveals who he looks up to
The 18-year-old said (The Scottish Sun), ”I used looked up to Dani Alves, but now I look up to Trent Alexander-Arnold more. He came through the academy at Liverpool and plays in a style that I like to play. I look up to him. He likes to attack, but he can also defend as well. I like to watch other players to see what I can pick up on and put into my game, and see if I can make myself better. Now I watch Alexander-Arnold a lot because he’s a great player.”
Alexander-Arnold is arguably one of the best right-backs in world football right now, and he has seen an immense rise in the past two years at Liverpool. Patterson is also an attack-minded fullback, so it is understandable why he is following the Liverpool ace so closely.
The 18-year-old put in some decent crosses in against Staranaer, and he showed good confidence on the ball. The lower league outfit failed to test him defensively in the tie, but Patterson seemed like a committed defender who was willing to go into challenges.
Patterson was wanted by Premier League clubs before his contract extension at Rangers. The Scotsman has also impressed with his defensive ability at the youth level, but it remains to be seen whether he would be able to emulate his excellent form in the senior team.
A future heir to Tavernier?
Tavernier is also attracting interest from Newcastle United, and there might be a chance that he could move away in the summer. The club captain is currently out with an injury and Patterson can get a chance in the league games as well. If the youngster can come close to doing what Alexander-Arnold is doing at Liverpool, Rangers would have a gem on their hands. For now, Patterson needs to keep on working hard and making the most of opportunity whenever he gets his chances in the first team.
