44-touch Everton star went under the radar vs Aston Villa, he’s given David Moyes food for thought

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Everton moved into the top half in the Premier League on Sunday with a fantastic win over Aston Villa, and one player went under the radar.

David Moyes pulled off a masterclass, overseeing a 1-0 win against one of the most in-form sides in the country.

Thierno Barry’s fine finish was the difference between the two teams. And potentially, this was Everton’s best display of the season all things considered.

There was frustration in the first-half when Everton saw a goal by Jake O’Brien ruled out after VAR deemed an offside Harrison Armstrong to be interfering with play.

But thankfully, it didn’t matter in the end, and Barry deserves great credit for his goal and whole performance.

There were lots of fantastic displays; James Garner in midfield was excellent, as were his two teammates Merlin Rohl and Harrison Armstrong.

The two centre-backs were also solid.

But there was one player who looks to be going under the radar.

• READ MORE: Everton player ratings vs Aston Villa, Thierno Barry one of four 8/10s in big win for David Moyes

Nathan Patterson was brilliant for Everton vs Aston Villa

At right-back, Moyes handed Nathan Patterson a second successive start.

The Scot did well against Sunderland in the FA Cup, and Moyes was clearly keen not to tinker, with O’Brien playing centrally again.

Patterson was up against a tough opponent in Ian Maatsen, and the Dutchman’s pace was causing issues in the first-half. Emi Buendia was also playing on Villa’s left side, so that combination was always going to pose a challenge.

But Patterson defended well against him, and also offered himself as an outlet for Everton.

In the second-half, he was fantastic, constantly winning the ball back for his side.

As per Sofascore data, Patterson won six of the seven duels he contested. He also won two tackles. All in all, he made 10 defensive contributions for the Toffees.

He wasn’t too bad on the ball either, in what was a frantic game at times, completing 17/22 (77%). His 44 touches made him the fifth-most involved Everton player.

Moyes may yet keep Patterson at Everton

Of course in recent days, there has been a lot of speculation about Patterson’s immediate future.

Patterson was lined up for a move to Sevilla last summer, but it didn’t materialise. And recently, the Sevilla links have re-emerged.

It’s also been suggested Everton wanted to use Patterson in a swap deal to land Emil Holm from Bologna.

But that’s now a couple of really solid performances in an Everton shirt from Patterson, who may well have given Moyes food for thought.

What’s more, Jake O’Brien has looked great in the middle next to James Tarkowski, and it would make sense to keep him there.

The Michael Keane suspension did feel significant, it actually may now be something that prevents Patterson’s exit.