David Moyes has had little to complain about in his time as Everton boss, but something has crept up on the Scotsman’s agenda.
It’s been a little while since Everton have been in action as their 1-1 draw away at Brentford took place nine days ago now.
Since then, quite a bit has happened, and Moyes isn’t pulling any punches.
Abdoulaye Doucoure won’t extend his Everton contract, as the Friedkin Group’s decision may have ruffled a few feathers in the Everton camp, and Doucoure’s future now looks uncertain.
Despite this, Moyes could still offer Doucoure a contract, but he might be treading lightly on one Everton player who has been issued a warning.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
David Moyes sends a warning to Nathan Patterson at Everton
Moyes has made a happy camp at Everton, and so far, it has gone swimmingly for the Toffees boss.
But what the Everton manager has just said about Nathan Patterson may not sit too well for the 23-year-old.
Patterson joined Everton back in 2022 from Rangers for £11m and has struggled with injuries for the majority of his tenure, as 56 appearances in three and a half seasons doesn’t reflect too well.
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Now Moyes has come out with some stern words for the right-back, as he spoke about Patterson in his pre-match press conference for Wolves.
“I know he needs to step up, and I want him to step up, he’s Scottish as well, so we need all the players we can get,” Moyes said.
“I’m hoping in the next month or two we can work closer with him.
“He needs to be looking to step up; he certainly does.”
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Patterson must improve as Everton searches for alternatives
It’s difficult to blame Patterson too much, who has been unlucky with injuries, but there’s only so much time Moyes can afford him.
The Scotsman has been in and out of the squad, but Everton are now targeting Vladimir Coufal, who Moyes knows very well.
This could be Moyes’ signal to Patterson to say, ‘you’re running out of time’, and the right-back has had more than enough opportunities.
When he has played, Patterson has impressed, but now it’s looking like the clock is ticking, and this warning from Moyes may get the right-back into gear.