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The former Ger was close to a La Liga loan move in the summer as he looks to increase game time before the World Cup.
As Everton continued there impressive term in the English Premier League season with a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, an ex Rangers man has been told what he needs to do to get back into the fray.
Nathan Patterson has had an injury-plagued time in Merseyside so far, making just ten appearances in the past 18 months for The Toffees, however before that he was showing signs of promise at Goodison Park. The fullback signed for Everton from Rangers in 2022 in a deal worth around £16m according to Sky.
The 24-year old had a good run in the starting XI under Frank Lampard but an injury against Chelsea in April 2024 sidelined him for 10 months. Ever since, he has had a recurring issues to battle with, that have never fully disappeared.
David Moyes selected Patterson for the bench in Everton’s recent wins over Bournemouth and Forest, in what has been his first involvements in Toffees squads for several months. The Everton boss has now given his full-back an ultimatum if he wants took keep his career at the Hill Dickinson Stadium alive.
‘Opportunities will come around’
Moyes has told Patterson that he can make his way back into the Everton staring line-up, however insists he must make sure he can keep his fitness up for this to be possible. Moyes said as quoted in the Liverpool Echo: “If he can get himself right and playing then he’ll get an opportunity. We don’t have that big a squad, so opportunities will come around. We need him back and fit.”
Whether it be under Moyes or previous manager, Sean Dyche, Patterson’s fitness struggles have led to his omission from the team. The likes of Ashley Young, Ben Godfrey and James Garner have all slotted in at right-back instead.
Furthermore, Irishman Jake O’Brien has been deployed at right back for the majority of the season, despite him being a centre-back by trade. Patterson currently finds himself down in the selection pecking order, but will need to take his chance if and when it comes.
A place on the plane at stake
After Scotland defeated Denmark 4-2 in their World Cup 2026 decider to make the major tournament, Patterson’s need for game time has grown a lot more urgent. He has lost his place in the starting XI to Brentford full back Aaron Hickey, who has also had major injuries in recent years.
The pair were both sidelined for the last major tournament at Euro 2024 in Germany. Steve Clarke has mostly deployed Celtic’s Anthony Ralston and Derby County’s Max Johnston at right back in their absence.
Patterson was close to a loan move to Spanish side Sevilla in the summer transfer window, however it never materialised. If his lack of minutes at Everton continue, perhaps he will be looking for a move elsewhere in January, as he tries to secure his seat on the plane.
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