‘Really Struggled’ – Everton man under fire from national media for 5/10 showing on int’l duty 18th Oct, 2023 | 9:40am
Nathan Patterson performance in Scotland v France panned by media as Everton man ‘really struggled’ in 5/10 showing
Everton defender Nathan Patterson was given the runaround by Kylian Mbappe as Scotland were beaten by France on Tuesday (17 October), with Glasgow Live saying the full-back “really struggled”.
The Tartan Army were facing off against Les Bleus in a friendly in Lille and succumbed to a 4-1 defeat against their illustrious opponents.
Mbappe was typically influential and ended up on the scoresheet from the penalty spot prior to half-time, with Benjamin Pavard netting twice and Kingsley Coman also on target.
Giving their player ratings after the game, Glasgow Live wrote: “Nathan Patterson – 5
“Really struggled out there tonight, but who wouldn’t against Kylian Mbappe? The Frenchman was electric and all of France’s attacks understandably came down that side. A real test for the youngster. Booked.”
Failed audition
Patterson has failed to really nail down a starting spot at Everton this season and both full-back positions have generally been a troublesome area for Sean Dyche and the Toffees.
Indeed, the right-back last started a Premier League fixture in the 2-2 draw against Sheffield United on 2 September, prior to last month’s international break and this was an opportunity to audition for Dyche ahead of the Merseyside derby against Liverpool.
Well, it is fair to say Patterson did not make the sort of impact he would have liked. Okay, there are mitigating circumstances here, namely the fact he was up against Paris Saint-Germain ace Mbappe, considered by many to be the best player in the world right now.
But the Reds have plenty of stars of their own, and Patterson needed to do more to show he is worthy of getting the nod against Jurgen Klopp’s men. Instead it is likely that veteran Ashley Young will keep hold of the shirt having started in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth prior to October’s international break.
Patterson’s Goodison Park career has been a little stop-start. It is too early to write him off just yet, but he will hope to start making more of an impression soon.
