Seamus Coleman's path to become Everton's starting right-back was not straightforward.
The odds were stacked against the Irishman breaking through after he arrived at the club from Sligo Rovers in 2009, with established players like Phil Neville and Tony Hibbert alternating in his preferred position.
It meant Coleman had to find a different way to impress manager David Moyes.
After a disastrous debut away at Benfica - the youngster played out of position at left-back in a 5-0 loss to the rampant Portuguese outfit - he quickly showed his class three days later in a 2-2 draw with Tottenham, coming on as an early substitute for Joseph Yobo.
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While that vibrant cameo earned Coleman the man-of-the-match award, it was a while before Moyes trusted him to play at right-back again.
Even after a season on loan at Blackpool excelling in the position, Coleman was used on the right of midfield by Moyes upon his return to the club.
It was at only at the start of the 2012-13 campaign when the Irishman was slotted in regularly on the right of a back four.
Nathan Patterson, a new signing and potential successor to Coleman, has gone through a similar process himself, with his development showing similarities to that of the Irishman.
The Scotland international is a little green in aspects of his defensive play, while his vertical surges forward can often be followed by an erratic choice. But all the pieces are there for him to develop into a fine full-back.
New Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst made intriguing use of the 20-year-old early in his managerial tenure, too.
In recent weeks, Patterson has frequently been introduced from the bench to play on the right of midfield in an attempt to cover James Tavernier and see out results.
"When defending an advantage Nathan is defensively solid and works well with James," said Van Bronckhorst last month when asked about this tactic. "It gives us defensive stability and allows us to keep the pitch up front."
From that position, the Scotland international could craft his defensive awareness, but also provide a direct outlet for Rangers on the break.
His versatility extends beyond the right flank too, as in Rangers' 1-0 win over Dundee United Patterson was tasked with filling in at left-back.
"When I was in the Under-18s, I played a good chunk of the season at left-back and I have played in centre midfield as well, so I have been exposed to different positions at youth level," he said after that fixture.
"It is a good challenge for you and it takes your game on."
The number three jersey he has been handed by the Toffees is also traditionally one worn by a left-back and its previous incumbent was Leighton Baines.
That versatility will be valuable for an Everton squad that has been persistently decimated by injuries this season.
It will also take some of the pressure off Coleman, who has played more matches this season than a 33-year-old full-back should.
After struggling at left wing-back against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, surely manager Rafael Benitez will avoid deploying him there again.
Patterson will potentially be able to help out on both flanks over the course of the season. But in Baines and Coleman, the Scotland international has big shoes to fill.
*An earlier version of this article was originally published in December 2021.
