In the infancy of his professional career, Nathan Patterson has played under Steven Gerrard, Rafa Benitez and Frank Lampard.

That "isn't too bad" as the 21-year-old put it himself. 

The Scotland international has uniquely played under both Gerrard and Lampard, who were of course two of the best English midfielders of their generation.

That has allowed the ex-Gers starlet to provide an insight into both of their managerial styles, their differences and their similarities. 

Overall, Patterson insists he feels the benefit having played under both of the gaffers at Rangers and now Everton.

He told the Sunday Mail: "At 21, I’ve had [Rafa] Benitez, Gerrard and Lampard as gaffers – which isn’t too bad.

"I’ve taken different bits from all of them. Gerrard and Lampard have done everything in football and you realise just how much dedication they’ve put in to reach the top.

“They’re quite similar but obviously have small differences in their styles.

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"They’re both top guys and, above everything else, winners. They also know what it’s like to be a top-level footballer which is a big help.

"They have so much passion for the game. You can just sense how much it means to them to win.

“The gaffer here [Lampard] gave me my debut in the FA Cup, which was great, but I was subbed at half-time. That was difficult to take but the manager explained it wasn’t to do with my performance and I had to accept his decision.

"I didn’t really get an opportunity after that but he called me in the summer to say it was going to be a big season for me.

“So I knew I had a chance of starting I worked really hard and I’ve managed to hit the ground running.

"I started our first Premier League game this season and have hopefully impressed. I’m enjoying it now.

"The fans seem to have taken to me. They want young players to do well and they can see I’m a passionate person.

"You feel the passion from them too. It’s similar to Ibrox, you know how much they want to win and that pushes you on."