In a recent report, Liverpool Echo revealed that Everton full-back Nathan Patterson has picked up a knee injury while on international duty with the Scottish national team. It has been claimed that the Toffees’ defender could now be sidelined for up to six weeks because of his recent injury setback.
Patterson’s Impressive Rise At Merseyside This Season
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a decent rise at Goodison Park during this campaign as he managed to put in several solid displays on the right side of Frank Lampard’s defence. Patterson has made eight appearances for the Merseyside club but is still waiting to open his goal-scoring account for this season across various competitions.
The former Rangers talent has given a good account of himself on the right flank based on his average of 4.0 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 2.7 clearances, 0.7 shots and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He has even distributed the ball relatively well after completing 76.6% of his attempted passes in the English top tier (stats via whoscored).
The talented youngster has caught the eye a lot with his performances for Everton this season. Therefore, losing him to injury will be a bitter pill to swallow for Lampard ahead of the Premier League’s return next month.
Patterson Suffers A Knee Injury While On International Duty: Big Blow For Everton?
Patterson can get stuck in with some solid tackles to make life tough for the opposition out on the wide areas. He can make a few timely interceptions for his side and usually clears the danger quickly inside his half. Patterson mainly functions as a right-back but can also play as a right wing-back or as a left-back if his manager asks him to do so.
The Scotland international doesn’t hesitate to work his socks off on the right-wing but needs to find some productivity in the final third.
Before this international break, Patterson was proving himself to be one of the most influential performers in Everton‘s first XI. Hence, losing him to a knee injury will be a massive blow for the Toffees as they might struggle to pick up results in the Premier League in his injury absence.
Everton would have to rely on Seamus Coleman who might struggle to play in Frank Lampard‘s first XI week in week out due to his age. Still, the Merseyside club has to figure out a way to cope with Patterson’s absence if they want to challenge for European football this season.
