According to the reports from the Athletic (subscription needed), Rangers are getting closer to signing exciting defender Nathan Patterson on a new contract. The 18-year-old has managed to catch the eye in Rangers’ youth setup under Graeme Murty. The right-back is being tipped to break into the senior team soon after some impressive outings with the youth side.
Rangers currently have James Tavernier as the first choice right-back who is also the captain of the side. As a result, Tavernier hardly misses a game for the Gers, and it will take someone special to remove him from the first-team spot. Many consider Patterson to be that player in a few seasons as he is being touted heavily by almost everyone at the club.
It is believed that a host of Premier League clubs were present to watch the right-back against Wrexham at the weekend. Hence, it is essential for Rangers to get the 18-year-old on an extended and improved contract as he is showing signs that he will be a first-team player in the future.
Premier League clubs can obviously offer the youngster a better financial deal, but he can break sooner into the first team at Rangers. Jon Flanagan is the backup option to Tavernier at the moment at right-back. Flanagan is versatile enough to fill in at left-back as well. One time American international Matt Polster is also an option, but he has hardly made an impact ever since arriving in January this year.
Patterson talks about Tavernier and playing for Rangers
Patterson around a week back was asked about competing with the captain for first-team chances to which he said (Daily Record), ”It is a good challenge having the captain playing in your position. I want to play for this club, so I will be trying my best to put in good performances. If I can do that, then hopefully a chance might come for me. My style of football is similar to him in terms of being an attacking full-back. I have been involved with the first team a few times, which has been good. I want to evolve my game around what the first team need.”
What can Patterson offer?
Patterson is known to be an attack-minded fullback which should suit Rangers well. He can carry the ball well from the back and deliver some dangerous crosses. He has also impressed the Rangers scouts with his sensible defending and reading of the game. However, one aspect where they would want Patterson to improve is on the physical aspect. He is still in a development stage, so many expect him to gain some strength soon.
Rangers are currently filled with top talents all over the board, and it will take someone exceptional from the academy to break into the senior team. Patterson is definitely seen as one of those candidates. Rangers will hope that they can now get his deal over the line after the latest reports confirm that the youngster is closing in on a new contract.
