Rangers right-back Nathan Patterson was given a surprise start by manager Steven Gerrard in the hard-fought 2-1 win over Hibernian yesterday.
The teenager was preferred to captain James Tavernier and he put in an excellent performance, playing a pivotal role in the Gers’ fightback at Ibrox.
Patterson’s delivered a superb ball for Kemar Roofe’s equaliser on the hour mark, whilst creating two more shooting opportunities for his teammates. Fans on Twitter were paying tribute to the fullback after the game:
Was my MOTM! Don’t know where the match sponsors got Lindtram from! Thought he was below par again!
— gazp1872 (@garypaterson81) October 3, 2021
He really dragged the momentum and energy level up today.
— KTG (@KtgBairn) October 3, 2021
Didn’t shy away at all. Good signs
— a bluenose (@torgvf) October 3, 2021
Only thing missing was a goal for me. Lad was everywhere. Love his energy.
— Scobzi (@scobz1972) October 3, 2021
Played well today
— rangersted (@rangersted) October 3, 2021
Thought his performance was brilliant today with exception of him being a bit wasteful with a few crosses and a shot he had, if he can start registering more assists and even chip in with a few goals we couldn’t drop him
— Derek Downie (@Derek__Downie) October 3, 2021
It will be interesting to see what Gerrard does with Patterson after the international break. Tavernier still merits a place in the side but his position is undoubtedly under threat from his younger teammate.
While Patterson put in a very strong display versus Hibs, there are still improvements he can make to his game. He can be suspect defensively at times, and he can be wasteful in possession.
For a 19-year-old, though, he is way ahead of the curve and there is no doubt he could be a regular starter for years to come.