Everton enjoyed a 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday and Mason Holgate was praised by supporters for his performance.
The 23-year-old started alongside Michael Keane at centre-back and helped Everton keep a clean sheet while limiting Brighton to only two shots on target at Goodison Park.
He was dominant in the air, retained possession, consistently found a teammate with long-range passes and made more clearances than any of his teammates.
The win was the most important thing today, now only 4 points off 6th. Some real positives to take from the performance for a change; Bernard and Richarlison class, DCL working his ass off as always and Holgate showing he has serious potential to be our best CB #EFC
— Danny Mckeown (@DannyMckeown2) January 11, 2020
Important 3 points today, but I wish people would stop with the over the top shouts! Gylfi wasn’t very good, Davies was average at best. Bernard and Richardson did well and DCL put himself about. Holgate is probably our best CB and Digne looked something like his old self. #EFC
— Liam 🟨🟥 (@liam_james47) January 11, 2020
Mason Holgate is a credit to himself. Most improved player by a mile and quickly becoming our most influential CB. #EFC
— Paul Nealon (@paulnealon90) January 11, 2020
https://twitter.com/Tezza_c1878/status/1216126011496116224?s=20
Mason Holgate has gone from fourth choice CB who was about to be sold to Carlo Ancelotti's first choice. He's made huge leaps forward the past few months. #EFC
— John Merro (@johnmerro1) January 11, 2020
Big shout out to Mason Holgate who has become our number 1 centre half.
It now appears it’s Holgate and another.
Made up for him, quality player and a good amount of snide.#EFC #UTFT— Matt (@mattwill1982) January 11, 2020
Against Brighton, Holgate played for 90 minutes, made 79 touches, won three aerial duels, completed 90.6% of his 64 passes, made seven clearances, completed seven of his nine long passes (78%), made one tackle, drew one foul and made three interceptions.
The former England u21 international has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring and creating three goals. Holgate has been a regular for Everton, impressing in both defence and midfield when called upon, and could have a bright future as a result.
Everton’s win over Brighton saw them end the weekend 11th in the Premier League table with 28 points from 22 games, having won three of their last four. The Toffees next face West Ham United on Saturday.