Everton are renowned for giving first-team opportunities to their young players.
Everton youngster Mason Holgate described his current state of happiness at Goodison Park, during an interview with the club’s official website, but highlighted how he found the transition difficult, after joining the club from Barnsley in the summer of 2015.
The versatile 20-year-old can play in either the centre-back or right-back positions, and has made 10 appearances for the Toffees in all competitions so far this season, impressing both pundits and fans alike with his mature displays.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman with Mason Holgate
And Holgate spoke to EvertonTV about his integration into the first-team squad this season, highlighting how he found it difficult not being involved with the senior squad last term:
“It’s been great to be involved in every squad this season, even if I haven’t played. Coming from Barnsley, I found it difficult going from a first team environment to the Under-23s last season. I was disappointed because I wanted to be in the senior squad but, in the long term, it was probably better for me because I learned so much from being with the Under-23s.”
Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero in action with Everton’s Mason Holgate
And with Everton’s squad currently one of the oldest in the Premier League, the young defender’s opportunities for first-team action will surely only become more regular as time goes on.
The exciting thing for fans of the Merseyside outfit is that with him being so young, he has plenty of years left in which to improve his game, especially from a physical aspect.
And if he continues to impress, his presence in the Everton side will add credence to the notion of the Toffees scouting network being amongst the best in the game.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
