Nathan Patterson has revealed how Seamus Coleman has remained a key figure behind-the-scenes at Everton despite his season-ending injury.
Nathan Patterson said: “A couple of days after the injury, he was back in speaking to me about the clips we get through on the opposition. Injuries are part of the game, but it’s hugely disappointing, especially at this time of the season as well. He’s still rallying the boys up, and his focus is more on the group than him, as usual. He’s a top lad, and he’ll be back. He sets the standard — a high standard — for what it means to be an Everton player. You see it in training every day, and even in the gym, he’s driving people to do things to their best. He doesn’t let anyone get away with anything silly; even in wee passing drills, he’s making sure people are on it. You hear him in the background, making sure everyone is switched on. That’s what you want from your captain.”
Patterson completed his move to Goodison Park from Rangers last year. He arrived at Everton from Ibrox for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £12m. The Blues had initially had two previous offers for Patterson rejected by Rangers. However, their final bid was enough to secure the services of the highly sought-after defender. So far this season, the Scotland international has only made 22 appearances in all competitions after picking up two separate knocks during the campaign. But Patterson believes he has found the perfect mentor in fellow right-back Coleman.
Nathan Patterson said: “He’s a top guy, honestly. I couldn’t speak more highly of him. He was the first guy to come and speak to me when I first got here. He’s great with me; he encourages me every single day, and he’s great to work with. He’s a top player who’s played here for more than 13 years, so many games, and he’s been a top performer for such a long time, so it’s impossible not to pick up things from him, especially with how he is. When I had the good run in the team before my knee injury, he was probably in contact with me more than ever. He could see I was doing well, and he was encouraging me to keep it up. His main interest is for the club. He wants the club to do well, and that happens if individuals are playing well. It’s great to have that feeling he brings. He’s been there, too, when I’ve not been in the team. He’s been in the game a long time, and he knows that can happen. It’s part of football. He’s a proper captain.”
