Everton defender Nathan Patterson has singled out Gabriel Martinelli as one of the toughest opponents he has faced to date.
The 21-year-old moved from Rangers to Goodison Park earlier this year and has been reflecting on his adaption to the Premier League. Patterson has faced Martinelli just once so far during the Gunners' 2-0 win over Frank Lampard's side in pre-season.
With Mikel Arteta's side yet to face Everton so far this season, however, the Scotland international will have to be on top of his game to stop Arsenal's Brazilian star, given he has already found the net five times as well as laying a further two assists thus far.
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Speaking to the Daily Record, Patterson said: “It’s brilliant because at a young age, I’m getting to challenge myself on a regular basis. What a league this is.
''The best I’ve played against so far is probably Diaz in the Liverpool game at Goodison. That was a proper test, and I felt I did well. But honestly, everyone down here is top quality. In pre-season, I played against Martinelli of Arsenal, and he was so sharp. Everyone is sharp in this league!”
Martinelli will be hopeful of featuring against West Ham on Boxing Day, as the Premier League is now just a short week away from returning. The Gunners are hoping to build on a superb start to the campaign which currently sees them top of the pile heading into the restart.
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