Everton: Nathan Patterson relegated to fourth choice by Sean Dyche as ex-Rangers ace struggles
Nathan Patterson is now fourth choice at Everton thanks to “poor defensive displays”, according to Michael Ball.
The former Toffees defender responded to praise for the Scotland international via Twitter on 12 March to admit that a lot of supporters want to see more of the former Rangers man, but he has moved backwards down the pecking order under Sean Dyche.
Patterson, 22, started the season as the starter at right-back, and also had a run of five-straight Premier League starts to end 2023, but he has now not even featured in seven of eight in 2024.
Ball wrote: “Many fans agree, but unfortunately he has found himself 4th choice due to poor defensive displays.”
To the point that the defender needs a consistent run of games he added: “Very true, unfortunately EFC hasn’t had the luxury this season to offer that.”
Ben Godfrey currently starting at right-back as Everton fans want to see Scotland international
Dyche has repeatedly flip-flopped between full-backs on both sides of his defence throughout his time at Goodison Park.
Both Patterson and Vitalii Mykolenko have struggled at times to get their manager to trust them, although the Ukrainian has now become a regular starter on the left despite starting the season on the bench behind Ashley Young.
That the former Aston Villa and Manchester United veteran has hardly showered himself in glory this season but still appears to be ahead of the Scot on the right now is hardly a glowing indictment of the man who cost up to £16million to bring in from Ibrox [Sky Sports].
Current starter Ben Godfrey’s positioning often appears questionable at full-back while providing far less going forward, making it debatable whether he should be starting over club captain Seamus Coleman let alone Patterson.
There is plenty to debate about those who are currently getting games for Everton because the form is so shaky, but at right-back the Scot’s prospects don’t look strong under Dyche if he is behind a centre-back and two men with a combined age of 73.
In other Everton news, a lawyer believes the Toffees could now be set for an FFP “advantage” under changed rules after transfer boosts.
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