Footballers playing at the highest level have to have more than just technical ability and this is why Nathan Patterson made such an immediate impact at Rangers.
Elite footballers are all athletes first and foremost and the Auchenhowie graduate showed once again why a return to Ibrox would be more than welcome.
Nathan Patterson had to keep Kylian Mbappe quiet for Scotland but does his lack of action for Everton open the door for a possible return?
Why Nathan Patterson could one day make Rangers return
The 22-year old right-back hasn’t had his troubles to seek in terms of injuries since heading to Liverpool.
Just as he seemed to cement his place in the first-team, he would suffer another mid-term problem.
Thoughts of a quick pre-contract agreement can be ruled out though because Everton had the sense to tie the youngster down on a five and a half year deal when he signed in the January of 2022.
Althougn, the player himself has admitted that he has “unfinished business” at Ibrox.
Against Spain, with Aaron Hickey at right-back until he had to swap sides to cover Andy Robertson, Scotland offered very little in attack.
And this is the difference with Nathan Patterson, which made him a fans’ favourite at Rangers.
Not only does he have the pace and athleticism to match opponents like Mbappe but he has the mentality and intent to turn them round and get them going in the opposite direction.
Full-backs are more important than they have ever been before and it is no longer enough for them to just defend without helping out in the final third too.
It was the fundamental difference when Nathan Patterson played at Rangers if James Tavernier was injured or rested.
The 15-times Scotland cap would drive at defenders and look to get to the byline, whereas the skipper would look to cross from deeper positions.
With Tavernier not getting any younger, Rangers recruitment team has to be keeping an eye on the situation of an international class, homegrown option.
After all, if you can handle Mbappe, you can handle anything.
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