How 'incredible' Alistair Johnston compares to Nathan Patterson as Everton transfer decision looms

Alistair Johnston would give David Moyes a new dimension as Everton look to sign him from Celtic.

The Canadian right-back has developed into an exceptional talent during his time at Parkhead and is now attracting interest from the Toffees.

At the Blues, the Scottish manager has lost the leadership of Seamus Coleman, with Nathan Patterson now his only natural senior option at right-back.

With the need for a new right-back evident at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Johnston may be the perfect signing in L3.

Jake O'Brien has consistently played out of position under Moyes, but his limitations are clear for everyone to see.

As for Patterson, the 24-year-old Scotland international's future at the Merseyside outfit remains uncertain after struggling for game time and with injuries.

World Cup stats show Everton must replace Nathan Patterson with Alistair Johnston

Goodison News have covered reports of Everton's interest in Johnston, with the Toffees ready to make an offer.

It would be unfair to judge the Celtic right-back and Patterson based on last season, since both struggled with fitness issues.

However, going by their performances at the 2026 World Cup, the Blues should have no doubts about the Canada international's qualities.

Defensively, in terms of getting dribbled past, Johnston recorded a score of zero in five appearances, while Patterson averaged 0.7 per game in that metric after playing three matches.

The 27-year-old defender also won 1.8 ground duels and one aerial duel per game in North America, while the Scottish defender averaged 1.3 and 0.3, respectively, as per Sofascore.

It's going forward that Johnston would provide much-needed quality from the full-back position, completing 50 per cent of his dribbles at the World Cup, with Patterson not attempting any.

One statistic that should catch the attention of fans in L3 is the Canadian right-back recording 1.8 key passes per game.

In stark contrast, Patterson had zero key passes and created zero big chances at the World Cup.

Another important characteristic Alistair Johnston will bring to Hill Dickinson Stadium

Moyes has lost some pivotal figures from his dressing room over the last two summers.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Coleman and Idrissa Gueye are no longer with the Toffees.

The Scottish manager surely needs some strong characters in the dressing room ahead of next season, and Johnston could be just that.

Speaking about the Canadian ace earlier this year, Celtic defender Liam Scales said, "He's top class. He's an incredible athlete and he's again another leader."

Only time will tell whether the Merseyside outfit will be successful in their pursuit of the right-back.