Former Liverpool player Danny Murphy has hailed Nathan Patterson's performance against Liverpool in Saturday's Merseyside derby as 'sensational'.
Appearing in his first ever Everton v Liverpool encounter, the former Rangers defender was a standout performer for the Blues, helping to keep the likes of Luis Diaz quiet for large spells of the contest.
And having had to bide his time before being entrusted with a starting place in Frank Lampard's side, Murphy believes that the Blues may have unearthed a diamond in the 20-year-old Glaswegian.
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Speaking on Match of the Day, Murphy said: "Yeah, he was sensational. It was a brilliant 0-0. But this young lad, Nathan Patterson, seems to have the lot. He is only 20, he came in January, physically, he is very, very good. Early in the game he was setting his mark, showing the fans what he is all about. Win your first 50/50. Do you have the composure to play through the lines and pick nice passes, yes he does.
"He's got this desire to get forward and have an impact on the game, which I think is great. His defensive work is good, you can see the strength to keep the ball under pressure. It's only his sixth Premier League appearance but he looked comfortable, he really looked established.
"The awareness to play around corners, to have the courage and freedom to play as he wants to play. Every time he is bombing forward he is leaving Luis Diaz, so he is obviously comfortable with what he is doing.
"I think the fans are going to love him, the way he bombs forward and gets a foot in. They love that, the Evertonians. Late in the game he has the fitness levels and concentration to defend properly. He is a diamond, they really have got themselves a good player in the market. He is a terrific young player."
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