Danny Murphy praises ‘sensational’ Nathan Patterson for impressive outing in Everton v Liverpool draw
Danny Murphy has heaped praise on Everton right-back Nathan Patterson for his outstanding performance against Liverpool.
The Toffees secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw against the Reds in the first Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Murphy was quoted in a report by Football Scotland where he praised Patterson, who according to him is a “diamond”.
“Yeah, he [Patterson] was sensational,” he said. “He seems to have the lot. He is only 20, he came in January, physically, he is very, very good.
“Early in the game he was setting his mark, showing the fans what he is all about. Win your first 50/50. Do you have the composure to play through the lines and pick nice passes, yes he does.
“He’s got this desire to get forward and have an impact on the game, which I think is great. His defensive work is good, you can see the strength to keep the ball under pressure. It’s only his sixth Premier League appearance but he looked comfortable, he really looked established.
“The awareness to play around corners, to have the courage and freedom to play as he wants to play. Every time he is bombing forward he is leaving Luis Diaz, so he is obviously comfortable with what he is doing.
“I think the fans are going to love him, the way he bombs forward and gets a foot in. They love that, the Evertonians. Late in the game he has the fitness levels and concentration to defend properly. He is a diamond, they really have got themselves a good player in the market. He is a terrific young player.”
Great outings
Murphy’s words are a testament to how good Patterson was in the much-awaited clash at the weekend where not for once, he looked uncomfortable despite playing against a team like Liverpool.
What’s most impressive from the 20-year-old was his ability to take the Reds’ defensive line on and attack from the flanks, something Everton have missed in the recent past ever since the decline of Séamus Coleman.
Manager Frank Lampard and the fans will be hoping that this is just the beginning of something from Patterson and that he will be able to take his game to the next level in the months and years to come.
The Scotland international has been an Everton player since January earlier this year when he moved from Rangers in a deal worth £12.6 million [Transfermarkt].
In the ongoing seasons, Patterson has represented his current club in seven matches across all competitions where he has been making 2.6 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and 2.5 clearances per match [Whoscored].