Steve Clarke reveals phone call with Frank Lampard that kickstarted Nathan Patterson’s Everton career
Steve Clarke has revealed that he called Frank Lampard and asked him to give Scotland defender Nathan Patterson a chance to play at Everton.
Patterson has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Goodison Park under Lampard, and looks to be nailing down the right-back position for the distant future.
The 20-year-old has quickly become a fan favourite at Everton for his desire and workrate – something Clarke picked up on when coaching him in the Scotland setup.
Patterson was seemingly overlooked by Rafa Benitez after joining the club, but Clarke has revealed that he called Lampard after he took the Everton job and pleaded with him to give Patterson a chance in the side.
“Obviously I worked with him at Chelsea so I know Frank quite well. We did have a little chat about it,” said Clarke, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“About that time he was phoning up to say, ‘What do you think?’ I said, ‘If you gave the boy a chance to play he will do well for you’. But I am not going to take any credit for that. Nathan takes all the credit.”
A rising star
Patterson is already starting to tick all the boxes at Goodison Park. He’s gritty and determined in defence, and equally dangerous when galloping forward down the right wing.
With 33-year-old Seamus Coleman nearing his twilight years at the club, Patterson looks to be the natural successor to the legendary Irishman.
At just 20, Patterson has plenty of time to grow and develop as a player, and he’s clearly highly thought of by Lampard and Clarke at both Everton and Scotland.
With Patterson on one flank and Vitaliy Mykolenko on the other, Lampard seems to have found a perfect balance in defence. With Conor Coady and James Tarkowski also impressing early on this season, the Toffees finally have a settled, long-term back four.
Rafa Benitez didn’t do much good at all during his time at Everton, but signing Patterson for £12million from Rangers is up there as one of the best.