Nathan Patterson to demand answers from David Moyes as stat reveals Everton concern

Nathan Patterson’s lack of gametime this season is helping no one at Everton.

The Toffees have had a mixed campaign, but to say that they are still in contention for European football next season speaks volumes.

While David Moyes has showcased various flaws, he deserves credit for the way he has handled an often injury-ravaged squad on Merseyside, while also taking into account the mid-season AFCON absentees.

But throughout that period, questions have remained consistent in regard to Patterson’s lack of game time, and the Scotsman will want answers from his manager.

Nathan Patterson's stats for Everton this season.
Credit: Imago

Why isn’t Nathan Patterson playing for Everton?

Patterson was actually linked with an exit from Everton in the winter, though, for several reasons, a move failed to materialise.

Mainly due to the Toffees’ inability to sign a replacement, having been linked with a move to sign Brook Norton-Cuffy.

The 24-year-old remained at Hill Dickinson, but the question is now starting to emerge as to why, when taking into account his lack of minutes.

Since the transfer window closed, Patterson hasn’t played a minute of football for Moyes’ side, despite having been named in the matchday squad.

In fact, only Seamus Coleman has played fewer minutes than Patterson this season, despite the latter having been fit.

His last appearance was on 31 January, when he came on as a substitute in the final minute against Brighton.

Jake O’Brien has been preferred at right-back, despite it being abundantly clear that the Irishman’s best position is in the centre.

What is next for Patterson at Everton?

Quite frankly, it would seem very little.

Rangers had also been linked with a move to take Patterson back to Ibrox, and if that interest remains heading into the summer, there may be a deal to be had.

It’s clear that Patterson isnt in Moyes’ plans, and with it claimed that the Toffees will target a new right-back in the summer, his importance will be reduced even further.

Everton had high hopes for Patterson when he first arrived in the Premier League, and so for his career here to have fizzled out as it has is hugely disappointing, but not necessarily unexpected given his lack of impact over the last 12 months.

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