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We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell was delighted by how Nathan Patterson secured the first Everton win of the season against West Ham last weekend.
With the Toffees clinging to a one goal lead via Neal Maupay’s strike, as they looked to get over the hump of the maiden victory of the campaign on Sunday (18 September), Hammers attacker Maxwel Cornet closed in on what looked like a sure equaliser until the full-back got a crucial toe on the ball from behind the Ivorian to drive him wide.
Sky Sports pundit Campbell knew instantly that the three points were in the bag when that happened, and is really impressed to see the former Rangers player is developing so well this year.
“I thought he’d done great in the derby as well by the way,” he said, speaking exclusively to Goodison News about the young Scot.
“He’s a young player who’s finding their feet in the Premier League, and do you know what? He seems to be getting better every week.
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“He really does. He’s athletic, he’s big, strong. And he loves defending. If you are that, as a full back, then you’ve got a chance.
“And I truly believe he’s got a chance. I’m very impressed.
“And that last-ditch tackle on Cornet when he was going to put it in, listen, that’s the three points.
“As soon as that happens you know it’s three points, because really he had no right to get round him, but he did and he just got something on it to take it away from Cornet.
“Really good play, and really pleased to see him settling in so nicely.”
There were times last year after his January arrival when it appeared that his move had been a mistake, as Everton boss Frank Lampard only afforded him 45 minutes against lower-league Boreham Wood in the FA Cup and he was never seen again.
But he has been a revelation this year, starting every game and looking every bit the player he was hoped to be as he takes over from stalwart and captain Seamus Coleman.
The intervention on Cornet to preserve the first win of the year was a moment for him to hang his hat on but his overall contribution since taking over the starting role has been highly impressive as part of one of the league’s best defences.