Rangers TV pundit fears Van Bronckhorst is hurting Patterson’s ‘development’ at Ibrox after what he’s seen
Alan Hutton has claimed Giovanni van Bronckhorst is hampering Nathan Patterson’s development at Rangers by playing him as a winger.
The former Gers defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 20-year-old needs to be playing in his natural position as a right-back to develop as a player.
Patterson has replaced Ianis Hagi in Van Bronckhorst’s first two games in charge.
Hutton admitted as a young player, Patterson would just want to play wherever he can for Rangers.
However, he suggested Van Bronckhorst’s decision to push Patterson up would not help the Ibrox starlet.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “You want to be on the pitch and especially when they’re young, you will literally play anywhere to get on the park.
“But me personally, I don’t really see how that’s helping him develop. From my point of view, I was never that type of player who could play that position. I always wanted to play from full-back coming onto the ball.
“I think Patterson is that as well. He’s a powerful runner and he’s better when he sees the full pitch when he’s coming on to the football. I don’t really see it helping his development if I’m totally honest.
“You have to think of someone’s development. Is he a right-winger? Is he a forward player? No, he’s not. He’s a full-back, an attacking, modern-day full-back.
“You have to play in your position, learn the position, get the experience through minutes on the pitch. Playing out of position doesn’t help that.
“I would like to see him play at right-back. I know James Tavernier has done excellently well. Whether they have to chop and change a little bit for Patterson to get his minutes.”
Patterson has played eight times for Rangers this season.
However, only half of those appearances have come in the starting XI.
In other news, Rangers are opening new contract talks with teenager amid interest from Premier League giants.