Everton defender Mason Holgate was praised by Ronald Koeman for having ‘big quality’ earlier this season.
Everton have endured an up-and-down start to life under Ronald Koeman, as after a bright opening to the season, the Toffees have struggled of late.
The Dutchman is still moulding his own squad at Goodison Park, with Everton expected to be busy in the January transfer window – but one criticism Koeman has faced is that he hasn’t blooded many young players.
General view of Goodison Park
The likes of Tom Davies, Kieran Dowell and Dominic Calvert-Lewin all look to have bright futures, but have struggled to break into the Everton side, making a Young Player of the Year award somewhat tricky.
However, there is one player who made an impact earlier this season, and that’s defender Mason Holgate – but even he has only appeared six times this term.
The 20-year-old defender, signed from Barnsley in August 2015, filled in for Seamus Coleman admirably during the early stages of the season, but the Irishman’s return means that Holgate has played just 23 minutes of Premier League action since the end of August.
Stoke City’s Marko Arnautovic in action with Everton’s Mason Holgate
Holgate, an England Under-21 international, has shown his versatility having played at right back and centre back, offering athleticism to an ageing Everton defence and playing well beyond his years, particularly in the 2-1 win at West Bromwich Albion.
It seems like only a matter of time before Holgate becomes a first-team regular at Goodison Park, but Koeman must figure out whether he’d be better served in the heart of defence or at right back.
With Davies, Dowell and Calvert-Lewin held back and Ross Barkley struggling this season, finding a Young Player of the Year so far is tough for Everton – but Holgate’s early-season performances and huge potential make him the top candidate.
Manager’s verdict
“It’s very positive how Mason Holgate is doing, how he is developing himself and the game time he is getting,” Koeman told the Liverpool Echo after a 1-0 win over Stoke City in August. “He was part of the good defensive organisation.”
“[Holgate] has big quality for a young player. It looks like he’s very comfortable on the pitch. Of course, he has the confidence of the manager and the rest of the players – but you need to perform on the pitch and he’s doing that. If you play against Marko Arnautovic, it’s difficult for a defender because he’s a good player. But I didn’t see Arnautovic today – and that’s a big, big compliment for Holgate,” he added.
What have you thought of Holgate’s development at Everton?
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