Everton: Scottish media reacts to Nathan Patterson performance in defeat to Spain
Everton defender Nathan Patterson was a first-half substitute for Scotland as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Spain on Thursday 12 October.
The full-back was called into action much sooner than expected when Scotland captain Andy Robertson was withdrawn from the contest in the closing minutes of the first half as Steven Clarke’s side missed their first opportunity to qualify for Euro 2024.
Alvaro Morata’s second-half goal as well as Ryan Porteuos’ own goal were enough for the home side to claim all three points in Seville after Scott McTominay’s free-kick was controversially ruled out for an alleged foul on Spain keeper Unai Simon.
Scottish media has been reacting to Patterson’s performance from the bench, with Glasgow Live handing him a 6/10 rating. The website said that the 21-year-old “got away with an early mistake” after he was introduced, but was “totally sturdy” for the entirety of the second half.
The Scottish Herald was slightly more critical of the Everton defender, dropping his mark to a five, suggesting that Patterson’s early booking after being introduced into the contest led to him “dipping out of the match” as the second half rumbled on.
Statistics website Squawka were the most damning of any outlet over the full-backs display, giving him a 4.5 rating and writing: “It’s one thing coming on to replace Robertson’s attacking input, which no one expected from Patterson, instead the Everton man was focused on his defensive duties which became arduous once Zaragoza came on.”
Mixed bag
While Patterson’s ratings from the media appear to show his display was a bit indifferent, it was always going to be hard for the Toffees defender to replace Robertson, given how important he is to Clarke’s side currently and the 21-year-old didn’t do too much wrong.
It was a tough night for Patterson as he was dribbled past twice and only won one of his four ground duels, but he did come out on top in his only tackle while also registering an impressive five-ball recoveries against a very capable Spanish side [Fotmob].
With Robertson now heading back to Anfield to receive treatment on his injury, Patterson may get to play the full 90 minutes when Scotland face France in a friendly on Tuesday (17 October) in what will be another huge test for the Toffees full-back.
Assuming he gets through the remainder of the international break fully fit and without injury, these two matches could provide him with an excellent test before he returns to Everton and will put him in the right frame of mind to face Mohammed Salah and company in the Merseyside derby.
In other Everton news, Isaac Price has suggested he’d still be at Goodison Park had Frank Lampard not been sacked