Nathan Patterson has undergone a remarkable body transformation since his arrival at Everton, according to his recent interview with the Liverpool Echo. As relays the Everton.News, the Scotland international disclosed that he has gained 5kg in weight since joining Goodison Park and is determined to maintain peak fitness after a challenging start with the club.
After leaving Rangers to join Everton in January 2022, Patterson encountered difficulties kickstarting his Premier League career due to recurring injury problems. The defender has endured over three months of sidelined time and has been limited to just 21 appearances in all competitions since completing his move to Merseyside.
However, Patterson is eager for a fresh start in the upcoming season and has devoted significant effort to sculpting his physique to be in optimal condition for Everton’s opening match against Fulham next month. He expressed his commitment to maintaining peak fitness and spoke about the changes he has made to his body during his time at the club.
“When I was at Rangers, I rarely suffered from injuries, so it was somewhat new to me,” Patterson shared with the ECHO. “When you exert yourself to the limit and then face setbacks, your body undergoes considerable strain. Therefore, I’ll be focusing on my body this year, ensuring I remain as fit as possible.”
“I’ve worked hard since I arrived here, gaining from 75kg to 80kg, and I now feel comfortable maintaining that weight every day. My body has adjusted to it, and I’ll continue to prioritize its upkeep, ensuring I feel great for each game,” he added.
Patterson’s prospects under Sean Dyche will depend on his ability to maintain his fitness levels and deliver impressive performances in the opening weeks of the season. This represents an ideal opportunity for the 21-year-old to make his mark at Everton. During pre-season training, he will be striving to catch Dyche’s attention and take advantage of Seamus Coleman’s long-term injury ahead of the Fulham clash.
Although James Garner deputized at right-back due to injury concerns and excelled in the latter stages of the previous campaign, it is likely that he will return to his natural midfield position. This could create an opportunity for Patterson to potentially fill the right-back role, depending on his performances and fitness levels in the upcoming season.