Frank Lampard impressed with Everton right-back Nathan Patterson
Frank Lampard has admitted that Everton January signing Nathan Patterson has impressed him.
Patterson joined the Toffees during the January window from Glasgow Rangers for around £11.5m plus add-ons (BBC Sport).
The young right-back is yet to start a game for Everton, and Lampard has suggested that he will use him at the right time.
Lampard said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo: “I’ve been impressed with Nathan. It’s not been easy to be fair, they need to train well.
“We have to make sure, my duty is to make sure we develop young players and find the right time for them to play.”
Patience
Patterson was Benitez’s first-choice target and the club paid a big sum to secure his signature.
However, Benitez was axed from his role just days after he signed for the club. Patterson has dropped down to playing U-23 football and he is being left out of the first-team picture.
Lampard named the 20-year-old on the bench for the FA Cup clash against Brentford. At the moment, Patterson can do nothing but give his best effort in training and hope to impress his manager.
He signed a long-term contract at the club when he joined, and Lampard will use him at some point definitely.
The former Chelsea boss has used Jonjoe Kenny in the right-back role, and it seems Patterson will have to wait for his chances.
Patterson is an important player for his country. Scotland boss Steve Clarke would love to see him getting some minutes for his new club especially with the World Cup playoff around the corner.
In other Everton news, ‘Very talented’ Everton loanee could sign for Euro giants in summer deal – report