Nathan Patterson, Tom Davies and Dwight McNeil have formed a Finch Farm ‘gym club’ as part of their efforts to keep in shape.
Patterson has bulked up by five kilograms since joining Everton as a result of work dedicated to help him ‘be his best’. His frame has changed through his efforts chasing a target he set when he arrived on Merseyside.
The gains also showcase the discipline of the Scotland international, who has become stronger despite suffering several difficult injuries.
READ MORE: Royston Drenthe sets record straight on Everton hot tub 'parties' and David Moyes relationship
READ MORE: Stopping Erling Haaland is the ultimate challenge but Everton pair can get under his skin
Patterson made his first start for Everton under Sean Dyche on Monday night, in the stunning 5-1 win at Brighton & Hove Albion, which was a significant step for a player whose season has been beset by injury but who also saw his manager persevere with Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate ahead of him. Both struggled in their bids to cover the absence of club captain Seamus Coleman while he was absent through in April.
When the 34-year-old suffered season-ending ligament damage at Leicester City upon his return, Patterson was finally given his chance from the bench. He then started against Brighton and had an immediate impact, winning possession in the opening seconds to launch the attack from which the Blues took the lead.
Patterson did enough at the Amex Stadium to put himself in line for a start against Manchester City on Sunday. Any opportunity would be just reward for his perseverance, having suffered three serious injuries in the 16 months since he was signed from Rangers.
Crucial to his fitness battle has been his commitment to staying in shape regardless of such adversity. A core component of that work has been his effort in the gym, he told the Everton club website. Patterson said: “When I first came I was between 74kg and 75kg and now I'm sitting around at 80kg. I’ve worked really hard in the gym and I made sure I spent the time I've been out injured wisely in that respect.
“I’m up to where I want to be and it's about maintaining it now. Me, Davo [Tom Davies] and Dwighty [Dwight McNeil] have got a wee gym club going at Finch Farm, working on different aspects and making sure we're all ticking over to be in the best possible shape. The work is every day. You have to make the most of every day.”
Patterson has also been working with the club’s sports science department to supplement his progress, putting a lot of importance on his diet and attributing his cooking skills to the time he enjoyed in the kitchen with his dad as he grew up.
Relationships have been key to his development on Merseyside, particularly his fight with injury, he told the ECHO during Everton’s trip to Sydney in November, adding: “It’s mentally tough because it’s just you and you have to work on yourself but you’ve got the great support of the staff and your team-mates as well. You come back in and everyone wants you to do well and everyone is working together to try and benefit the team. Whenever you come in, it is a great environment to come into.”
Following that trip, Patterson was part of the Blues line-up that earned a valuable point at Man City in late December, confounding the form book with a spirited defensive performance and a Demarai Gray wondergoal. Speaking ahead of the return fixture, Patterson said of his chance to impress Dyche: “My mindset is more about going out there and performing to my capability. You put pressure on yourself to go and be your best. When you're playing in the Premier League there's going to be pressure and you're going to come up against top players every week so you have to enjoy it and thrive off that.”
READ NEXT:
- Everton moment during Brighton win was like me trying to play FIFA as Sean Dyche challenge becomes clear
- 'From one catastrophe to another' - Everton history lesson a huge incentive to Sean Dyche's side
- Kevin Campbell names Everton player who will save club from Premier League relegation
- Joleon Lescott sends Pep Guardiola selection warning before Everton vs Man City
- Phil Neville sends clear message to Everton on Sean Dyche's future as manager
