Everton came from behind to draw 1-1 with West Ham United on Saturday and Mason Holgate was one of many players to come away with praise from supporters. The 23-year-old started alongside Yerry Mina at centre-back and was influential over the 90 minutes.
Holgate set up Everton’s equaliser, flicking on a corner for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to head home in the 44th minute, and also made a clearance off the line. Fans took to social media to hail the former England u21 international’s performance. He’s being regarded among some of Everton’s best centre-back.
DCL developing into a true number 9 despite playing in a team lacking creativity.
Holgate continues to impress and is starting to look like a leader while senior players go missing.
We need signings quickly.
— Jay Brittles (@JamesBrittles) January 18, 2020
Mason Holgate was excellent today. Man of the match for me. Controlled the defence and dealt with everything he had too. Another quality performance by him! #EFC
— TheMightyBlues (@MightyBluesYT) January 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/thomascole03/status/1218586547819249664?s=20
Currently Holgate is our best CB whilst at the same time being our best CM. #EFC
— Liam 🟨🟥 (@liam_james47) January 18, 2020
Mason Holgate appreciation tweet: 7 clearances, 2 blocks, 4 tackles, 1 interception, 1 key pass, 1 assist, won 7/7 ground duels and had a passing accuracy of 89% against #whufc. Get that contract signed #efc pic.twitter.com/G1Uz8DdNdD
— Paul Brown (@pbsportswriter) January 19, 2020
Think Ancelotti is tightening up whole #EFC team
– Pickford one of the very best keepers in EPL – 2 stunning saves
– Holgate is developing into a top CB
– DCL now judged on goals as well as work rate
– Digne is class
– Gbamin/Gomes back soon
Need a dominant midfielder https://t.co/6WXkwFHBsz— Rob Palmer (@robbopalmer) January 19, 2020
Against West Ham, Holgate made 74 touches, won two aerial duels, created one chance that ended up an assist, made five clearances, completed 89.3% of his 56 passes, made four tackles, blocked two shots, made two interceptions and had two successful dribbles.
The defender, who’s also impressed in midfield, has made 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating four goals. Holgate has been outstanding this season, but he’s only one of three centre-backs at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal so a new face could be brought in before the transfer window shuts.