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Patrick Boyland hails Nathan Patterson's first appearance in Everton shirt
Nathan Patterson had an impressive outing for the Everton U23s on Monday, providing an assist and looking “sharp” according to Patrick Boyland.
The Toffee’s won 1-0, with the goal coming after the January arrival crossed for Lewis Dobbin to head in, and the attacking display from the ex-Rangers man had The Athletic journalist excited for the future.
The 20-year-old was notably absent from the first team squad for the game against Aston Villa on Saturday, but his first appearance in an Everton shirt was a positive one.
Writing on his personal Twitter account, Boyland said: “Patterson has impressed so far. Comfortable on ball, athletic and contributed in attack + defence. Always looking to be aggressive in his actions”.
He later added in another Tweet: “Patterson has been so dangerous in attack with his crossing”.
Rare positive
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Everton fans have not had an easy time of things lately and it is a testament to the problems at Goodison that you have to look to one of the reserve sides for something positive.
It did not look like life on Merseyside had got off to a good start for the Scottish right-back when caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson named a 20-man squad for his first game, and the signing’s name was nowhere to be seen.
The fact that the team lost another important game, and the man they spent £12million, possibly rising to £16million, was not deemed to be a useful option on the bench, hinted at yet another issue at the club.
But, although it is at a level below the first team, it is encouraging that Patterson gave a good showing for the first time since his move.
If Boyland’s assessment is fair then it suggests that the new man has the tools to make an impact.
Fans will just be hoping that he is able to step up and make that impact sooner rather than later, otherwise the money spent to bring him in will look like it could have been spent better elsewhere during this disastrous seasons.
In other Everton news, this England international wants to know who the next manager at the club before considering a move to Goodison.