Michael Keane was called out for his poor performance in Wednesday’s 5-2 defeat to Liverpool, but Mason Holgate also had a bad game and was hammered for it by supporters on social media. The 23-year-old started alongside Keane and Yerry Mina in a 5-4-1 formation but provided little solidity and was continually exposed over the 90 minutes.
Should Mason Holgate keep his place at centre-back?
Yes
No
Holgate failed to cut out a through ball to Divock Origi that led to Liverpool’s opening goal, failed to cut out a through ball to Xherdan Shaqiri that led to their second goal, was beaten by a long ball over the defence to Origi that led to their third goal and was taken on by Roberto Firmino who assisted their fifth goal.
https://twitter.com/liamg1878/status/1202325304720678912?s=20
https://twitter.com/rulitos14/status/1202328863772200961?s=20
Holgate, barely championship level. #EFC
— Keith Giles (@keith_giles) December 4, 2019
Holgate – not good enough, Davies – not good enough, Keane – not good enough, Calvert-Lewin – not good enough #byeSilva #EFC
— Kevin McGrath (@kev83mav) December 4, 2019
Holgate and Davies are inept. But when there are no alternatives, it’s tough for a manager to leave them out, or castrate them. The reserves, Walcott (who doesn’t score enough) and Schneiderlin – a pathetic footballer epitomise this lack of choice.
— Charles Stevenson (@charles_stevo) December 5, 2019
Against Liverpool, the former England u21 international played for 90 minutes, made 57 touches, won two aerial duels, made four interceptions, completed 72.7% of 33 passes, made one clearance, whipped in one cross, made four tackles and drew four fouls.
Holgate had previously impressed for Everton, leading to him starting ahead of Keane in November, but the Toffees may need to reignite their search for another centre-back in January.