Report reveals which in-form Everton man is ‘set for an extended’ run in the first-team
According to Pete O’Rourke of the Football Insider, Mason Holgate is ‘set for an extended’ run in the Everton first-team after impressing in recent weeks. Football Insider also say the 23-year-old’s level of performances may convince the Toffees to curtail their search for a senior central defender in January too.
Holgate has made eight appearances in all competitions this season, six of which have come since mid-September. The former England u21 international provided cover at right-back at the start of the campaign before becoming a regular at centre-back alongside Yerry Mina, and now he’s keeping Michael Keane on the bench.
Should Mason Holgate keep his place at centre-back?
As per WhoScored, Holgate has racked up 288 minutes of Premier League this season, making two assists. The 23-year-old averages 29 passes-per-game with an 81.4% completion ratio, wins 60% of his aerial duels, makes one clearance every 28 minutes and averages a tackle or interception every 32 minutes.
Farhad Moshiri was reportedly willing to bankroll Marco Silva to sign an experienced centre-back in January, but now it appears Everton could target a younger player in need of development while spending the rest of the money on other important areas of the squad.