Everton: Player’s move to Germany will pave way for regular opportunities for £12 million man

Everton signed Nathan Patterson in January 2022 with the aim to count on him as a long term successor to Seamus Coleman. Patterson arrived for £12 million from Rangers after two bids were rejected by the Scottish club in the summer transfer window. The arrival of Patterson also hinted at the end of Jonjoe Kenny’s career at Everton as his deal was set to expire in the summer of 2022.

At 33 years, Coleman is slowing down. Everton needed a long term successor and Patterson is their best bet. Kenny was never considered to be a successor to Coleman. At best, he was a rotational option that could feature in Cup games or slot into the role when the first choice right back was injured.

Whenever Kenny set foot on the field, he was completely committed and showcased top level professionalism. Even when he wasn’t picked by Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez, the Englishman did not give up. Last season, he made a total of 21 appearances, playing as a right back and a left back.

Kenny’s deal was expiring this summer and it was widely anticipated that the Toffees wouldn’t offer him an extension as that could hinder the development of Patterson. Surprisingly, the 25 year old was offered a new deal.

Nathan Patterson will now have more opportunities at Everton

The academy graduate ended up rejecting the deal on the table in search of better footballing opportunities. He had admirers in the Premier League but ultimately Kenny made the decision to sign for Hertha Berlin on a free transfer, as per Bild.

Had Kenny stayed at Everton, it would’ve interfered with the immediate future of Patterson. Coleman would still remain Everton’s first choice for next season and with Kenny acting as backup, Patterson’s minutes would’ve been compromised.

In no sense is Patterson a finished product. He’s a work in progress and is still in his early developmental stages. He’s yet to adjust to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. So throwing him into the war zone would be a heinous crime. The transition from Coleman to Patterson needs to be swift and well timed.

However, Patterson will not get much more game time as opposed to the scenario where Kenny would’ve signed and stayed. Patterson will be Coleman’s undisputed understudy and learn from the Irishman who has shouldered the responsibility of being the club’s primary right back for a decade.

Patterson is quick, loves to make overlapping runs and makes an impact in the final third. He’s raw and sometimes loses the ball often but with age comes patience and maturity and who better to teach him patience than Coleman.

His ball retention capacity is impressive and his crosses are often targeted in the area between the goalkeeper and the last line of defence, which is where you’d expect a poacher to show up and head it home.

Patterson is a signature that warrants a better tomorrow after Coleman in the right back spot. He needs to be nurtured well and given the right environment to grow. He’s just about to get that next season.

Will Nathan Patterson become Everton’s first choice right back next season?