Mason Holgate was tasked to operate in a makeshift midfield role in Everton’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United on Sunday and came away with a lot of plaudits from supporters for his performance.
The 23-year-old has spent the season at centre-back, but he was forced to play higher up the pitch due to an injury crisis in midfield – Gylfi Sigurdsson wasn’t fit to feature alongside Tom Davies.
Holgate managed to contain Jesse Lingard for over an hour, turned over possession numerous times and blocked a number of shots. Fans were highly appreciative of his efforts at Old Trafford.
Was that Mason Holgate’s finest 90 minutes. Super effort by the lads. #EFC
— Cookie (@CookiesComment) December 15, 2019
Mason Holgate looked like he’s been playing in midfield all his career. Superb today him #EFC
— Paul Brown (@PaulBrownEFC) December 15, 2019
From where I sat Holgate was our MoM #efc
— Jamie Rowland (@rowloefc) December 15, 2019
FT: 1-1 #EFC
– Outstanding shift from every player
– Holgate bossed the midfield
– DCL transformed last 2 games, bullying defences
– Baines still so reliable at his age
– Big Dunc, jacket off barking orders in the rain, one of us 💙
– 4 points from Chelsea + United 👏— TheToffees_com (@thetoffees_com) December 15, 2019
DCL becoming a real player under Duncan no doubt. But, Mason Holgate, oh my word son, makeshift centre midfielder on one of the biggest stages, you were magnificent. #EFC
— Rob (@thereal1bert) December 15, 2019
https://twitter.com/Phil_Pellow/status/1206244007791214592?s=20
Against United, Holgate played for 90 minutes, made 43 touches, won two aerial duels, had two shots with 50% accuracy, completed 73.9% of his 23 passes, made one tackle, blocked two shots, made one interception, drew four fouls, made three clearances and had one successful dribble.
The 23-year-old has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season, 10 of which have come in the Premier League. Holgate has struggled with inconsistency at times, but he turned in a fantastic performance over the weekend.
Whether he can repeat the feat in the EFL Cup against Leicester City on Wednesday remains to be seen.