Michael Ball believes Nathan Patterson should replace the suspended Jake O’Brien given he would be a more natural fit.
Everton take on Manchester United on Monday and are looking to get back on track after defeat against Bournemouth.
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Can the Toffees finally halt their winless run at the Hill Dickinson Stadium? 🙏
A custom image showing Everton's recent results against Manchester United.
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
The Toffees let slip a lead against the Cherries to lose 2-1 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which has been a place of frustration recently for Everton.
After a bright start at their new home, Everton are now seven games without a win, and supporters are growing concerned.
Up next is United for Everton, and David Moyes will be forced into one change after Jake O’Brien got a red card against Bournemouth.
And Michael Ball has made the case for Nathan Patterson to replace him.
Michael Ball thinks Nathan Patterson should replace Jake O’Brien, not James Garner
O’Brien was sent off against Bournemouth for a last-man foul on Amine Adli.
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Moyes now has to work out how best to cover his absence – and there are a couple of options.
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Of course, we’ve seen James Garner play there earlier in the season and do well, and he moved to right-back against Bournemouth after O’Brien went off.
But for Michael Ball, Moyes should not be looking past Nathan Patterson, who seemingly has a lifeline after the O’Brien dismissal.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “We don’t want to be putting square pegs in round holes again. This is another opportunity for Nathan Patterson, and I thought he did well in his last outing, to have a run of games.
“There have been question marks about his ability when he’s come into the side previously, but it’s so hard playing catch-up when you’re not up to match rhythm. For me, if he’s fit and ready to go then you’ve just got to stick with him.”
Ball also had a word for Garner, who he believes is much better in the middle.
“He’s (Garner) earned the right to have a run of games in his favoured position, but now, with Jake O’Brien’s suspension, there is an opportunity to put him back to right-back, although I wouldn’t do that. For me, those days are gone now, we’re safe.”
Patterson should indeed replace O’Brien
We know that Moyes likes to put square pegs in round holes and there could well be a temptation to do that again following the suspension for O’Brien.
But Ball is right – Patterson should be the man to play at right-back.
Jake O'Brien playing for Everton.
Photo by Izzy Poles – AMA/Getty Images
Garner does a great job at full-back. But by playing him there you lose any ability for Everton to dictate games and right now, that is what is required especially at home.
And Patterson has actually done fairly well since returning from his injury earlier this year.
Arguably, he never deserved to be dropped after the draw with Leeds United.
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