David Moyes could have long-term solution as record-breaking player shares Everton ambitions
Everton youngster Jack Patterson is hoping his Northern Ireland Under-21s call-up will earn him international and club recognition at senior level.
Patterson penned a new contract with Everton over the summer, which will keep him at the Hill Dickinson Stadium until the end of June 2027.
The versatile defensive midfielder is seen as one of the Toffees’ most promising young talents and will be determined to earn a chance to impress David Moyes in the near future.
Everton’s recent 2-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League saw them climb into 13th before the November international break.
If the Toffees continue to grow in performances and form, Patterson’s integration into the first team could come sooner rather than later.
Jack Patterson wants to earn recognition at highest level
Patterson completed a move to Everton from Irish Premier League team Crusaders in 2022, where he had become the club’s youngest-ever player, breaking the record aged 15 years and 78 days.
The teenager made 14 appearances for the Toffees’ Under-18s during his first season before he was promoted to the Under-21s.
His 2025/26 season has started well:
- He has one goal and assists in nine appearances this season
- Patterson has won 59 per cent of his tackles
- He had recorded a 76 per cent pass competition rate
The versatile midfielder is currently with the Northern Ireland Under-21s for this month’s UEFA Euro qualifiers against Latvia and Greece, and hopes his call-up will lead to senior international and Everton recognition.
“My main ambition is to play for Northern Ireland and Everton at club level,” Patterson told the Belfast Telegraph on 12 November.
“International recognition would help a lot. I was delighted to get a call-up for the squads.
“I was injured and spent time at Everton, but I am happy to be back. These are good competitive games, it is a great squad with many good footballers who are top lads as well.
“PK (Patrick Kelly) deserves his call-up, he’s a stand-out player.”
Barnsley midfielder Kelly, who played in last month’s home Under-21 Euro qualifiers against Malta and Germany, has been called up to the senior side.
And at just 18 years of age, Patterson could follow Kelly and provide Moyes as well as Northern Ireland with a long-term central and defensive midfield option if integrated into the first team.
- Read more: Every Everton player on November international duty – Who they’re playing and how to watch
What’s next for Jack Patterson?
Competition in the Toffees midfield is at an all-time high, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall impressing since signing for Everton from Chelsea over the summer.
Idrissa Gueye could extend at Everton after a strong start to the season, and James Garner has had his moments.
As a result, Patterson may find it difficult to break into the first team this season and potentially the following one.
Thus, a loan move may be best for all concerned this upcoming summer. A loan would place him in the best position to be recognised by Moyes and also develop in a competitive environment.
But as it stands, Patterson is definitely a young talent that Everton fans should keep a close eye on in the next couple of seasons.
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