Nathan Patterson: David Moyes should be concerned after Everton ace’s ‘rusty’ Scotland display

Nathan Patterson failed to impress away from Everton as the full-back featured in Scotland’s 1-0 defeat to Japan.

The 24-year-old has only made seven appearances since returning from another long-term injury, unable to even come off the bench in the Toffees’ last seven games.

Despite his lack of minutes at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Steve Clarke handed the defender a start on Saturday, 28 March, but he didn’t exactly take the opportunity with both hands.

David Moyes was already unlikely to play him for Everton’s upcoming game against Brentford, and any chance has completely evaporated following his display at Hampden Park.

Nathan Patterson makes the wrong impression in Scotland defeat

At club level, Moyes has even preferred playing James Garner out of position rather than starting Patterson at full-back, with centre-back Jake O’Brien also ahead of him in the pecking order.

Some supporters have questioned why he continues to make the bench on Merseyside, while others want to see him given more minutes, but the manager’s decision appears to have been vindicated.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound (28 March), Willie Miller said: “Nathan Patterson is looking a little bit rusty. There have been a couple of occasions when he’s given possession away.

“It’s not been when he’s under pressure, really, it’s when he should be making sure he’s finding whatever colour of jersey Scotland are playing in tonight.”

David Moyes has every right not to trust the Everton defender

Don’t let his stats from the game deceive you. Patterson never looked comfortable against Japan’s attack, especially not when Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma came on at the half-time break.

Football Insider revealed in January that Rangers were unlikely to re-sign Patterson, with his injury record enough to put any club off, but he remains contracted with the Toffees until the summer of 2027.

It remains to be seen what the future holds for the 24-year-old. But with just 18 appearances over the last two seasons, Everton fans would not be surprised to see the full-back offloaded.

He’s certainly been a disappointing signing following his £12million arrival from Ibrox.

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