Everton have enjoyed an indifferent start to the Premier League season, with just one win in their opening seven matches.

However, it is clear the progress being made under Frank Lampard’s leadership.

He has been given backing in the summer following the £60m sale of Richarlison and has certainly stamped his mark on the side.

One man who feels like a brand-new signing is Nathan Patterson, who has handled the step up in Seamus Coleman’s absence with ease. He has earned huge praise from Evertonians, who are enjoying his refreshing injection of pace and power down the right flank.

He was due a run of games last season after signing in January, but an injury ruled that out. Another injury here will worry fans for different reasons, as they will fear the return of the ageing Irishman to face the likes of Heung-Min Son and Allan Saint-Maximin.

However, Lampard could instead turn to more youth to solve the problem, by employing Kyle John there instead.

David Unsworth himself labelled him a “bundle of energy”, staking the claim that he will one day be a “top player”.

This was following a fine display as they downed Wolverhampton Wanderers U23s 3-2 a few years ago. In that game, the winner was found because of, as they describe it, “a trademark lung-busting surge” from John to which his wicked delivery could only be turned into the Old Gold’s own net.

With Patterson yet to score or assist for the Toffees, John would not have to worry about shouldering a huge offensive burden whilst deputising. Simply his energy alone and a solid defensive stature will see him seen as a successful stand-in.

This season he has recorded one assist in his opening five matches in the Premier League 2, and last season featured 18 times.

He is yet to make his senior debut for Everton but has been around the U23s setup for some time now. This could mark the perfect opportunity to hand him the opportunity.

The 21-year-old could be thrown in at the deep end if Patterson is out for longer than expected, but if not he will hope that in the long-term he can certainly at least become his natural successor once Coleman moves on.