Everton full-back Nathan Patterson endured a difficult match against France on Tuesday.
Nathan Patterson was named in the Scotland starting XI to take on France this week. However, the Everton right-back had a night he will want to forget.
Lining up against Kylian Mbappe, Patterson was never going to enjoy an easy evening. The 22-year-old was run ragged by the French superstar attacker.
Of course, it is understandable that Patterson would find Mbappe difficult to deal with. He will still be disappointed to have been on the end of a 4-1 thrashing, though.
After the match, Scottish publication GlasgowLive shared their player ratings. They awarded Patterson a 5/10 grade, and appraised his performance by saying, “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.”
All part of the Patterson learning curve
From an Everton perspective, Sean Dyche won’t view this match as a bad experience for Patterson to have had. Painful as the outcome may be at times, it is vital that the £28,000-a-week ace has opportunities to test himself up against the best players in the game. Mbappe is certainly in that category.
He will have learned plenty from this experience and will hopefully become a better player as a result. At this stage in his career, the former Rangers man needs to be tested to his limits regularly.
Patterson is not yet a guaranteed starter at Goodison Park, so getting game time at international level is important for the 15-cap ace. He will still get plenty of game time for the Merseyside club this season, though, and has an important role to play.
Patterson may well be in the frame to start against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Saturday. Things won’t get any easier for the youngster if he does play against the Reds, who can boast a formidable attacking contingent of their own.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
