With two possible new centre-backs coming in at Everton, Mason Holgate’s speedy progression might just be about to slow down.
As reported by L’Equipe, Everton are supposedly in advanced talks with Ligue 1 club Rennes over a deal to sign Ramy Bensebaini, as the Toffees seek to recruit fresh defensive options ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Also linked with a move to Goodison Park, as reported by Turkish-Football, is Beskitas and Croatia World Cup star Domagoj Vida, who has impressed alongside Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren on their way to the quarter-finals.
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It is clear that new Everton duo Marcel Brands and Marco Silva are working together to try to rectify the issues the team had last season in the Premier League.
The Toffees were susceptible to being hurt by attacking players with a turn of pace, with Ashley Williams in particular lacking mobility and Phil Jagielka showing his age.
Signing Bensebaini and Vida could be a good deal on the face of things, but thinking slightly beyond that, it is arguable that it could have a negative impact on young defender Mason Holgate’s development.
The 21-year-old first broke into the Everton first-team in the 2016/17 season, and has to date made 42 appearances for the Merseyside club, which is not bad going at all for one so young.
The Doncaster-born defender has definitely proved so far that he can cut it in the Premier League and has never looked out of place alongside his defensive colleagues.
Everton are right to be going after centre-backs, but they must ensure that new acquisitions do not relegate Holgate to being a bit-part player, because he has shown he has the potential to excel in the English top flight.
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