The defender has impressed this season for Ronald Koeman’s men.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli and Everton’s Mason Holgate, Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori
Everton picked up a good win yesterday at West Brom, their first three points of the Premier League campaign under the guidance of Ronald Koeman.
The game once again saw an appearance from young defender Mason Holgate. He started the game in a back-three before switching to right-back after Koeman switched formations early on.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli in action with Everton’s Mason Holgate and Ross Barkley
There is no doubt that the 19-year-old has impressed for Everton so far this season. It is not only Koeman and the Everton fans who like what they see. Former Everton captain Phil Neville spokehighly of the player on BBC’s Match of the Day (20/08/2016), stating:
“He was fantastic.
“I don’t like comparisons because I don’t think it works but he came from Barnsley, same club as John Stones, and he plays similar to John Stones.
Manchester City’s John Stones
“He’s so flexible. He’s playing at right-back here, he started at centre-back in a back three, he’s so confident on the ball, he’s composed, he’s fearless.
“He’s earned the right to start for Everton.
“I think it looks like Everton have found a real gem again.”
Holgate, being a former Barnsley player, will undoubtedly find himself having to deal with the Stones comparison for much of his early career at Everton.
Phil Neville applauds Everton fans after the match
But the teenager can no doubt start to carve out his own reputation.
The England youth international has the pace, power and composure to be a top quality defender in the Premier League and having the backing of Neville, who played over 500 games in the Premier League through his illustrious career, is testament to his early showings.
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