Former Everton midfielder Scott Gemmill believes that Nathan Patterson is in a great position to kick on with the Blues this season and show his real quality.
The defender impressed in his most recent pre-season outing, with the right wing-back grabbing two assists as his side beat Blackpool 4-2 on Sunday afternoon. The January arrival is still waiting for his first Premier League start for his new side following his move from Rangers, however could be in line to begin the campaign in the side as Seamus Coleman faces a race against time to be fit for the clash with Chelsea.
Scotland under-21 manager Gemmill has worked a lot with Patterson in the past and has no doubts regarding his credentials at being a success at his former side. He highlighted the defender's stamina and attacking ability particularly as attributes that will stand him in good stead during his time at Goodison Park.
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Gemmill told evertonfc.com : "Nathan plays with energy and commitment and physicality. Add his technical level to those attributes and his performances stand out.
"He's always had tremendous athleticism and is quick. And he can repeatedly do it [get up and down the field] over the course of a game.
"Some players fatigue. Nathan can run all day. He is a modern defender who can really add to the team’s attack because he is very confident on the ball.
"Nathan can dribble and beat his man and cross and shoot – and do all those things at high speed. He confirmed his offensive talent, how effective and influential he can be in attacking areas, in the games he played for Rangers and Scotland.
"And he is a quick learner, so with the manager and coaching staff and senior players Everton have, he is in a tremendous position to push on."
Gemmill also chose to highlight Patterson's versatility when talking about the defender. The former Everton man believes the right-back has enough emotional intelligence to cope with football at the highest level, and knows the youngster will always back himself to succeed.
He added: "The Scotland staff coaching him every day had an insight into his character and mentality and temperament and attitude, things he’s really strong on. We think he has a real edge to his game, which top players need.
"And he has that side [ability and willingness to adapt] where he can compete at the highest level. He has really good emotional intelligence and doesn’t get too up when he does well, nor too down if he doesn’t do so well.
"That edge has always been a big part of his game, he really wants to win and you need that to play with and against the best. He wants to get better, he is willing to listen to coaches and learn from the senior players.
"At the same time, he backs himself. He has the right mix of humility and confidence, the balance you need."
The Premier League is undoubtedly a big step up for any player, and Patterson will be the same. He was set to make his debut in the competition away to West Ham last season before suffering an injury which would eventually rule him out for the rest of the campaign.
However, he's now on the verge of getting his first call in the top division from Frank Lampard - and Gemmill believes that if he can improve defensively, then he will be lauded by Evertonians for his efforts.
He concluded: “He’s probably not been tested defensively at Rangers to the extent he will be in the Premier League with Everton. But he has cleared every hurdle put in front of him, so far: Playing for Rangers, a big club similar to Everton, with huge fan expectation and atmosphere in the stadium and significant history.
"He’s done it for Scotland. Not all young players get over those hurdles. But up to this point, Nathan has managed to do that and put himself in this position.
"So, of course I would back him to go and confirm himself defensively and show he can succeed in the Premier League, offensively and defensively. Evertonians will take to him, I have absolutely no hesitation in that regard.
"He plays with real determination and fearlessness and is still growing and getting stronger."
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