When Steven Gerrard swapped Rangers for Aston Villa, he left a terrific prospect behind at Ibrox – Nathan Patterson.
Eventually, the 20-year-old followed Gerrard to the Premier League, as Everton completed a £16m deal for the right-back in January.
However, that was under Rafa Benitez, who was replaced by Frank Lampard shortly after Patterson’s move was confirmed.
Now, Gerrard will be baffled by what’s happening at Goodison Park.
What’s the story?
Well, Lampard doesn’t appear to be a huge fan of Patterson.
The Scotland international is yet to make his Premier League debut, and has been a benchwarmer under the 43-year-old.
Now, Gerrard will surely be confused, as the Aston Villa boss is a huge admirer of Patterson.
Speaking to The Scotsman about the young right-back, the 41-year-old once said: “If there is a better right-back in the country on form, I would like to see it. I would like to see it. If there is a better right-back, on current form, that is Scottish, in the league, I would like to see it.”
Lampard prefers to use Seamus Coleman at right-back, although the Irishman is now 33 and well past his best.
Everton need to use Nathan Patterson
In our view, Lampard is just afraid of disturbing the status quo at Goodison Park by dropping an Everton cult hero in Coleman.
We simply cannot think of another reason why Patterson is yet to even play a single second of Premier League football.
As he showed in Scotland’s 1-1 draw against Poland last night, the Glasgow-born defender has fantastic attacking qualities, and he would be a real outlet for the Toffees.
It’s also worth giving Patterson a taste of Premier League action now, so he can get the 2022/23 campaign off to a flying start with some top-flight experience already under his belt.
Whatever happens, we’re sure Gerrard will be very confused as to why Lampard hasn’t given Patterson any opportunities to shine.
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