Everton right-back Nathan Patterson has praised his fellow defender Seamus Coleman, particularly for the high standard he sets behind the scenes at the club.
Patterson, who joined Everton from Glasgow Rangers in a £16m deal in January 2022, says that the £55k-a-week Coleman is a ‘top lad’, insisting that ‘he’ll be back’.
Coleman was stretchered off during last month’s 2-2 against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, meaning it will be highly unlikely that we will see him again this season, though Patterson says that the injury has not prevented Coleman from having an influence.
Speaking with the official Everton website, Patterson said: “A couple of days after the injury he was back in speaking to me about the clips we get through on the opposition.
Injuries are part of the game but it’s hugely disappointing, especially at this time of the season as well. He’s still rallying the boys up and his focus is more on the group than him, as usual. He’s a top lad and he’ll be back.
He sets the standard — a high standard — for what it means to be an Everton player.”
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Coleman was enjoying a fantastic season for the Toffees, and though his best years are certainly behind him, the veteran’s passion and commitment to the club remain evident.
His untimely injury was extremely unfortunate, and Sean Dyche will no doubt be hoping that his leadership behind the scenes will transfer onto the pitch in his absence.
Meanwhile, Nathan Patterson has made a solid return to the starting XI, putting in impressive consecutive displays against Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City.
Everton face Wolves in a crucial game at Molyneux this weekend, and Sean Dyche will be looking to the Scottish international to make it three top performances on the spin.