Everton: 3 things to know about Seamus Coleman successor Nathan Patterson

What can Nathan Patterson offer to Everton?

Undoubtedly, Patterson will offer support to the severely depleted right back area. For a number of seasons, an ageing Seamus Coleman has been asked to shoulder the responsibility as the club’s only right back which has rapidly caused wear and drop in the performance levels. Ideally, a new right back should have been brought in seasons ago to slow down Coleman’s dip and retain his best shape for a longer time.

The sooner a successor to the Irishman arrived, the sooner he could be initiated in the process and integrated into the team. The Irishman can act as a fatherly figure to the young 20 year old. Perhaps, Coleman might see shades of his younger self in Patterson.

After few sporadic appearances, Jonjoe Kenny would return back to the fringes of the squad, disappearing in anonymity or if a suitable offer comes in, Kenny might end up leaving. Patterson may not slot into the first choice right back role as he still tunes himself to the pace and requirements of the Premier League. Game time now could be more evenly split between Coleman and Patterson, making sure that the 20 year old is not overburdened and he gets enough room to blossom.

But at least with the arrival of Patterson, the embryonic stages of transition have begun.