Everton defender Nathan Patterson has been in and out of the lineup this season, but his moment to establish himself as a regular may come against Luton Town, with Vitality Mykolenko a possible doubt.
According to BBC Sport (29 September), the Ukrainian full-back will be checked for injury before Everton’s match against Luton Town at Goodison Park on Saturday (30 September), after The Athletic (28 September) claimed that he is a doubt following a knock sustained in the 2-1 EFL Cup win over Aston Villa.
According to the broadcaster (29 September), the Ukrainian could remain in the squad after being forced off at half-time, forcing Dyche to make changes at full-back, with Patterson returning to his usual right-back role.
The Scottish international has struggled to get a start in recent games, with Dyche preferring Mykolenko and Young at left and right back, respectively, prompting speculation that Dyche no longer trusts the former Rangers defender.
In an interview with GIVEMESPORT on September 19, former Daily Star journalist Brown expressed his concern about Everton’s full-back options, singling out Patterson as poor defensively, while Young and Mykolenko were “exposed” against Arsenal.
Brown said: “I’m really quite worried about Everton’s options at full-back. I don’t think
“I’m not sure what options are available to him. He’ll have to try to get some game time out of them, which will require some coaching and possibly a change in the way the club is set up and plays, but I believe the full-back position is a huge problem for Everton.”Patterson has certainly left a lot to be desired defensively at times, but he’s still only 21 and has a long way to go before becoming the player he’s been groomed to be since his days at Ibrox.
However, everytime the Glasgow-born full-back enters the pitch at Goodison Park, he provides an energy and aggression that Everton fans appreciate and, arguably, have always required throughout the years.
Young has been a very smart and reliable presence for Dyche, but his recent performances suggest that he isn’t the long-term option.
The former Manchester United full-back could not lead his team to a capable and solid performance, let alone an unlikely victory, against Arsenal, winning just one of his ground duels, successfully completing 56% of his passes, recording just 34 touches, losing possession 12 times, failing to complete a single cross, dribbling past once, and recording just one tackle.
