David Moyes may have new midfield general after what Jack Patterson did in Everton U21s draw

Jack Patterson could be the next big thing to emerge from Everton's academy.

The Blues have seen the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Harrison Armstrong emerge as first-team regulars from Finch Farm in recent years.

David Moyes has not utilised the academy as much as he could have in recent years, and he may look to it shortly after a lack of backing from the Friedkin Group.

Patterson's display in the Under-21's 0-0 draw with Reading means that the Blues may have a new midfield general on their hands.

The Northern Irish gem signed for the Toffees at the age of 16 in 2022 from Crusaders, and he has risen through the academy.

The 20-year-old could make the step up to the senior squad sooner rather than later.

How did Jack Patterson fare in Everton Under-21's draw with Reading?

Patterson was one of the standout players in the Premier League 2 draw on Saturday.

The defensive midfielder completed 78 per cent of his passes, and created one chance for his teammates, per Fotmob data.

He recorded nine passes into the final third, completing both crosses that he attempted and two of three long balls, for success rates of 100 per cent and 67 per cent in those metrics.

Patterson made seven defensive contributions, with three tackles, one block, one clearance and two interceptions, as well as two recoveries.

He won seven of 10 ground duels that he contested, for a success rate of 70 per cent.

Those numbers suggest that he is comfortable going forward, but equally adept when his side do not have the ball.

What is the problem that Everton are facing with Patterson?

There is a problem, though, his contract expires next summer and no fresh terms have been agreed yet.

Patterson's current deal expires in June 2027, as he signed a two-year extension in July 2025.

If the Toffees plan to utilise him in the senior ranks, the L3 outfit need to convince him to commit to a new deal.

The only way to do that will likely be to ensure that there is a clear pathway to the first-team ranks, and that he can be Moyes' midfield general in the future.

If they can't persuade him that is the case, then he may chose to leave and pursue his career elsewhere, something that the likes of Isaac Price and Stanley Mills have done previously.