Everton defender Nathan Patterson now looks like a nailed on starter at Goodison Park, says journalist Paul Brown.

The 20-year-old had a difficult time at the Merseyside club last season, but he has quickly become a regular and is getting "better and better", according to Brown.

GiveMeSport The Verdict

How is the 2022/23 campaign going for Patterson?

Patterson will be delighted with how things have panned out for him this term.

Last season did not go too smoothly for the right-back following his £16m move from Rangers in January. He failed to pick up a single minute in the Premier League, spending a lot of time on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.

This time around, though, Patterson's fortunes have drastically improved, with the Scottish youngster having already made seven appearances in the top flight.

The former Rangers man played a key role in Everton's first league win of the season against West Ham on Sunday, helping his side to keep a clean sheet in that 1-0 win.

What has Brown said about Patterson and Everton?

Brown thinks Patterson now has that right-back spot at Everton tied down and has hailed him for his improvement.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "I must say a word about Patterson, who's slotted in really well, made a game-saving contribution with a brilliant interception against West Ham. I think there's only one player in the league who has made more tackles than him this season, and the jury was out on him for quite a while when he first arrived at Everton.

"He didn't play for a number of reasons, but he certainly looks like someone who now has that position nailed down and he's getting better and better every week. So I don't think Everton have too many concerns, really, over the back end of the shop. It's scoring goals where more concerns lie."

Does Patterson have a big future at Everton?

Based on how he has started the season, it looks like it. Patterson, of course, is still just 20 years of age, so he could be around for a while.

Speaking about the Scotland international earlier this month, manager Frank Lampard said (via Daily Mail): "What a start to the season. Pats was injured when he was about to make his debut last year, and his defensive game has been excellent."

It is early days, but if Patterson can continue to develop the way he has been under Lampard this term, then the Toffees' could have their long-term successor to Seamus Coleman.