Everton teenager Mason Holgate has caught the eye with his performances this season.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli in action with Everton’s Mason Holgate and Ross Barkley
Pundit Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that he thinks Mason Holgate looks to be ‘worth every penny’ of his transfer fee as the Everton teenager continues to impress.
The Toffees claimed their first Premier League victory of the new season on Saturday as they beat West Bromwich Albion 2-1 at The Hawthorns, with Kevin Mirallas and Gareth Barry getting on the scoresheet.
Everton’s Mason Holgate has shot blocked by West Bromwich Albion’s Claudio Yacob
Whilst a number of players impressed, including new signing Yannick Bolasie in his cameo appearance, much of the praise has gone to defender Mason Holgate.
The 19-year-old joined Everton from Barnsley last summer, and whilst he didn’t feature as a first-team regular last season, new manager Ronald Koeman appears to have taken a real liking to the teenager.
Holgate has started both of Everton’s Premier League games this season, and has looked calm and composed thoughout, showing off his pace and reading of the game, whilst even playing at centre back or right back to show off his versatility.
West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon in action with Everton’s Mason Holgate
Having sold John Stones – another ex-Barnsley defender – to Manchester City earlier this summer, Everton appear to have another top young English defender at their disposal, with Holgate earning praise from fans and pundits.
Now, Garth Crooks has told BBC Sport that he thinks Holgate can continue Barnsley’s success at producing defenders, following in the footsteps of Mick McCarthy and Stones himself.
Crooks added that with pace, height and versatility, Holgate appears to be ‘worth every penny’ of the £2m Everton forked out to sign him a year ago, and included him in his team of the week after impressing against West Brom.
Tottenham’s Dele Alli and Everton’s Mason Holgate, Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori
“What is it about Barnsley that makes them keep producing top-class defenders?” asked Crooks. “It was Mick McCarthy who first brought my attention to the famous Yorkshire club, then John Stones and now Everton’s Mason Holgate seems intent on continuing this amazing sequence.”
“The youngster was very impressive against West Brom, looks quick, tall and versatile and appears to be worth every penny of the £2m the Toffees paid for him. Everton boss Ronald Koeman was a world-class defender, although not from Barnsley! If he can produce the authority and resilience of McCarthy and confidence of Stones in Holgate then he will be a sweet purchase,” he added.
What did you think of Holgate’s performance against West Brom?
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