Everton player who Sean Dyche thinks is 'terrific' just returned to training after injury
Everton now have something to look forward to after a narrow defeat in the Premier League.
David Moyes is determined to place higher in the Premier League after an underwhelming finish during the 2024/25 season.
Those ambitions did not get off the the best of starts as Everton suffered a 1-0 defeat to Leeds United.
A dubious Lukas Nmecha penalty separated the two sides after the ball cascaded off James Tarkowski to seal the Toffees' fate. While Everton may feel hard done by, there is a degree of optimism for the future.
Nathan Patterson returns to light training
Nathan Patterson was absent from Everton's squad for their 2-2 draw against Manchester United during pre-season.
Moyes later mentioned that it could be a hernia issue, which the Merseyside club planned to take a closer look at.
- Patterson has missed over 30 games for Everton since signing for the Toffees
- The longest was during the 2023/24 season, where he was sidelined for 21 matches due to thigh problems
But good news now awaits the Toffees after a difficult start to the week. As reported by The Bobble via X on Wednesday, 20 August, the defender has returned to light training.
Patterson has fallen down the pecking order at Everton. But one of his best performances for the Toffees was in a 5-1 win against Brighton in May 2023.
On his showing, former coach Sean Dyche said: "There was a lot of good performances tonight, but a really good collective performance. I thought Pato was terrific, coming in for Seamus who has been amazing since he got to the club.
"Mitoma has been arguably one of the best wide players in the Premier League this year and I thought Pato was tremendous.
"Smothered him when he could and stayed tuned in when he had to when the ball was on the other side."
If Patterson can regain his form he showed a couple of years back, the Toffees could be spoiled for choice at the back with a few tweaks.
Is there a place for Patterson in the starting lineup?
Jake O'Brien has emerged as Everton's de facto right-back under Moyes.
Both Patterson and O'Brien are very different players. O'Brien excels in aerial and defensive duels, while Patterson is better at progressing the ball.
Moyes seems to prefer the defensive stability that the current starter brings to his side. But that's not to say that Patterson will not have his chances.
Against deeper blocks whose defences need unlocking, Patterson could provide more answers than problems. While O'Brien's skillset could become redundant.
Therefore, Patterson could see his fair share of minutes this season once he is fully fit.
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