Everton boss Frank Lampard has not had the easiest ride since being appointed as the manager of the Merseyside club back in January.
After taking over from Rafa Benitez, who was taking the Toffees towards relegation, Lampard managed to avoid that potential disaster by helping the club secure their place in the top division towards the end of the campaign.
Things haven’t gotten off to the best start for the 44-year-old this season either, as with six games played, Everton have failed to win a match.
However, one big positive that has emerged this season at Goodison Park that Lampard and Everton should take credit for is Nathan Patterson.
During the previous January transfer window, Everton signed the full-back from Rangers in a deal worth £16m.
The Scotsman then went on to only make one senior appearance for the Toffees which came during their 2-0 win over Boreham Wood in the FA Cup.
Things have looked much brighter for the 20-year-old this season though, as he has played every minute of league action for the Goodison Park outfit, which shows how highly rated he is by Lampard.
In those appearances, Patterson has shown how much of a capable defender he is as no other Everton player has won more tackles (10) than him.
The youngster also has the third-highest number of interceptions (12) in the squad as well as making more pressures (61) in the defensive third of the pitch than any of his teammates.
While Everton have yet to win a league match in this campaign, it’s safe to say that Patterson is a big reason why they have only lost two games.
Praised for his “outstanding” performances for Rangers in the past by David Weir, it’s safe to say that Lampard has unearthed a new star at Goodison Park by giving the full-back a chance to shine in the Premier League on a consistent basis.
