The numbers that show David Moyes has easier decision than ever on ‘woeful’ Everton player
David Moyes will oversee a squad overhaul at Everton shortly.
Everton will be keen to bolster their squad in the winter transfer market and maintain their good run until the conclusion of the campaign.
The Friedkin Group have shown they are willing to back him, but they spent £113million in the summer and may seek sales before business is done.
Moyes has one easy sale that he should sanction when the window reopens.
David Moyes does not trust Nathan Patterson
Everton signed Nathan Patterson in a £11.5 million deal from Rangers, but constant injuries and underwhelming performances have seen his chances limited.
Everton failed to sign a right-back in the summer, handing Patterson a reprieve, but David Moyes has shown that he does not trust him.
The Scotland international has not made a Premier League appearance this season, and surely his time with the Blues is coming to an end.
Patterson has had enough chances to star for Everton
Patterson did not have much of an impact for Everton last season, despite featuring 10 times in the league for the Blues.
Six of those appearances came under Moyes, but the Scottish manager has gone with Jake O’Brien, who is naturally a centre-back on most occasions.
Former England star Stuart Pearce was not impressed by the Scotsman in the 1-0 loss to Chelsea in April, when he was given a start and then misplaced a pass that nearly led to a goal.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 26 April, he said: “I think it ended up being Patterson who played the final pass back to his goalkeeper that was woefully short. Pickford just managed to recover the situation.”
When he did feature, the 24-year-old did not take his chance, at either end, creating 0.38 expected goals, and winning just 13 per cent of the aerial duels that he attempted, per Sofascore.
Those figures are simply not enough for someone who wants to start each week, and Moyes can rely on his to be handed a starting role.
Patterson failed to impress against League Two opposition, how can he handle the Premier League?
Given the fact that the Toffees need a right-back and currently have a centre-back playing there, it should mean that Patterson has a chance to make the team.
However, with his regular injury issues, he was sent into the Under-21s team to build his fitness up in the international break.
However, he did not impress as Paul Tait’s side were hammered 5-1 in the EFL Trophy against Bradford City, who are second in League Two.
A player of Patterson’s ability should have been able to inspire the youngsters on the pitch, and help the Blues to victory, but he was part of the issue on the night.
He made just three out of 10 attempted long passes, lost possession 18 times, and made three clearances in the clash, as per Sofascore.
If he cannot perform against such a low quality of opposition, how is he supposed to shine in the top-flight against the best of the best?
Moyes will surely look to move Patterson on
It makes sense for all parties to move on.
Patterson has not been able to break into the team on a regular basis despite having ample ability to do so.
If Moyes can raise funds for a premium addition at right-back by allowing his fellow Scot to depart, then he should sanction an exit.
The stats prove that he does not have what it takes to make it with the Blues, as he surely would have done so already, if he did.
Patterson needs a new lease of life, perhaps at a club without the pressures that come with Everton, where he can thrive away from the spotlight.
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