Everton will have a dilemma this summer with their stance on Nathan Patterson unclear.
It’s been a worrying tenure for the Everton right-back, who has experienced injuries that have cost him a consistent place in the squad.
The arrival of David Moyes could have given hope to the 23-year-old, but Moyes has asked Patterson to step up, and he hasn’t shown any signs of doing that.
It’s even got to the point that Patterson could be likely to leave, but if he stays, competition will be added with the Scotsman struggling.
Moyes might already have a plan with this through Vladimir Coufal, who remains a constant player on The Friedkin Group’s radar.
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The latest on Vladimir Coufal joining Everton this summer
With Patterson’s future unclear, one thing is for certain, and that’s Coufal leaving West Ham.
Coufal wants to play for Everton as the full-back seems to have made up his mind on his future.
Moyes’ presence as manager will no doubt encourage this after the duo had an excellent relationship at the Hammers, winning the Europa Conference League, which is a stark contrast from Patterson at the moment.
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"I still cannot find the right words…"
West Ham's Vladimír Coufal reflects on an 'amazing' night for the club 😎 pic.twitter.com/GjETKYZmuk
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 8, 2023
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With Coufal now appearing to be a likely transfer this window, it begs the question of who is more deserving of a place in Moyes’ plans, and as Patterson is the only out-and-out right-back next season, who is better?
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Moyes’ obvious choice between Coufal and Patterson for Everton
It seems that when it comes to a relationship comparison, the Czech defender is much closer to Moyes.
But the Everton boss will hope to bond with Patterson if he does remain at the club this season, with Moyes seemingly already finding his fellow Scotsman untrustworthy.
Whereas Moyes has described Coufal as ‘brilliant’, as success could follow for Everton from their trophy win at West Ham.
This brings up a conversation about who is the ideal candidate for the role of right-back, and it’s obvious with one player showing the traits Moyes likes.
Coufal 24/25 Patterson 23/24 (to match games played)
Games played 22 20
Cross accuracy % 32.1% 21.9%
Tackles won % 68.2% 70.6%
Duels won 66 53
Aerial duels won per 90 1.95 0.63
It looks as though for the defensive setup that Moyes is planning, Coufal is much more suited.
Patterson will know his performances need to improve, but the Everton manager might also be curious about a trait Coufal didn’t utilise as well at West Ham.
Moyes spotted Coufal’s remarkable long throw-in at EURO 2024 and joked how he didn’t do the same for him during their time in East London.
This will only give Coufal the nod even more over Patterson, with Moyes potentially willing to experiment next campaign.