Question mark over Patterson's Toffees futurepublished at 12:51 GMT 9 February
Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Toffees defender Nathan Patterson's lack of game-time has been the subject of several questions sent in via our 'Ask about Everton form'. Chief football writer Phil McNulty answers why Everton may choose to sign a new right-back in the summer.
Nathan Patterson has shown moments of real promise since he arrived from Rangers in an £11.5m deal in January 2022, but his Everton career his simply not got going over a long period.
He is still only 24, but he has played under three different managers in Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche and David Moyes during a period of churn and instability at Everton, which never helps a young player.
Patterson has also suffered from injuries, which have kept him out for long periods that have also held him back and restricted his opportunities.
He simply has not produced consistency of form and fitness, so Moyes' decisions have been understandable with Patterson now reaching a crucial stage in his career.
Everton have been searching for a right-back since last summer. They thought they had Kenny Tete from Fulham, but he then decided to stay at Craven Cottage.
Their need is illustrated by the fact that, as well as Patterson, Jake O'Brien and James Garner – a natural centre-back and a midfielder – have been utilised there, while Seamus Coleman is now 37 and increasingly suffering from injury problems.
Whether Moyes feels he can rely on Patterson remains to be seen, but there must be question marks over that, so I fully expect Everton to go strong on signing a right-back in the summer.
Ask Me Anything is a service dedicated to answering your questions.
We want to reward your time by telling you things you do not know and reminding you of things you do.
