Everton right-back Nathan Patterson has now said he loves linking up with teammate James Garner.
Indeed, Patterson insists that the £15m Garner is a ‘top player’ and that his versatility could be important for Everton ahead of the new Premier League season.
James Garner filled in at right-back in the absence of Patterson for Everton’s relegation decider against Bournemouth last season, fulfilling a similar role during England U-21’s European Championships triumph.
The former Manchester United player then played on the right-wing during Everton’s 1-0 pre-season victory over Sporting CP last weekend, linking up well with teammate Nathan Patterson at right-back.
Indeed, Scottish international Patterson states that the two ‘work well together’ with Garner’s versatility proving to be a real asset at both club and international level.
Patterson told the official Everton website: “I enjoy playing with him (Garner). Obviously, he’s a top player and it’s always good to have someone like that in front of you.
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We work well together and we’re good mates as well, so it’s a good relationship we have. It was the first time playing so close to him (during the Sporting game) but he showed last season he can be versatile.
He knows different positions well – centre midfield, out wide and, obviously, he played right-back for England Under-21s in the Euros as well, so he’s shown he can do a really good job in a number of positions and he’s important for us.”
Patterson and Garner featuring consistently for Everton this season will be exciting watch for Blues fans
The Everton duo both spent periods of time sidelined through injury last season and will no doubt be eager to make up for lost time this campaign.
Aged just 22 (Garner) and 21 (Patterson), the Toffees have two quality young players who could hopefully develop together at Goodison Park, providing a sound foundation for the future of the club.
Indeed, the 2023/24 Premier League campaign could be a breakthrough season for both Nathan Patterson and James Garner at Everton.