Nathan Patterson lifts lid on ‘mentally tough’ Everton period and provides injury update
Nathan Patterson’s first 12 months at Everton have been littered with injury, and the 21-year-old admits sitting on the sidelines has been incredibly difficult.
Patterson arrived at Goodison Park in January after signing from Rangers. The young full-back was initially seen as a back-up option, but he’s taken every opportunity given to him with both hands and is now a regular starter when fit.
But those last two words are crucial – Patterson’s time with the Toffees has been plagued with injury. According to Transfermarkt, Patterson has already missed 15 games across two injuries since his move.
Patterson has spoken about his injury struggles, and the Scottish full-back made a very honest admission about its impact on his mental health.
Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Patterson said: “I was really enjoying it and then I got injured, and that happens in football, but I just tried to get back as soon as possible and try and help the team again.
“I’m back now and fully fit so hopefully we can go on now and get a good run in the league.”
“It’s mentally tough because it’s just you and you have to work on yourself but you’ve got the great support of the staff and your teammates as well. You come back in and everyone wants you to do well and everyone is working together to try and benefit the team. Whenever you come in, it is a great environment to come into.”
Come back stronger
Patterson has endured a rough few months with Everton, picking up a big injury just as he was building up some consistent form.
Seamus Coleman returned to make sure that Patterson’s absence wasn’t too much of an impact, but it’s still great to have the energetic full-back back available.
At the start of the season, the Toffees boasted the best defensive record with Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko on either side of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski.
After suffering a terrible few results before the World Cup, Frank Lampard will want to return to the defensive combination that worked so well before injuries struck.
Patterson’s aggression, tireless running and bundles of energy are exactly what the Toffees lacked in the final few weeks of the Premier League. Hopefully his return is the catalyst for some improved results.