Everton supporters have hit Twitter in their droves to argue the case of a starting spot for Mason Holgate.
Following an article posted to The Athletic on Friday afternoon, in which Patrick Boyland stated his admiration of the young English defender, supporters echoed his sentiments.
Holgate has grabbed a goal and an assist in his previous two Everton outings (per Transfermarkt), and fans were left wanting to see more of their man, with one even stating that he reminds them of Kevin Ratcliffe who featured 225 times for the Toffees as a centre-half.
Should be in ahead of Keane who’s a awful player!! Holgate reminds me of Kevin Ratcliffe.
— Patrick Fogarty (@Pcf4) October 31, 2019
He really impressed on loan at West Brom so he deserves his chance. Very confident when in possession which over recent years has been one of the flaws of Everton’s central defenders.
— lordelectric (@lordelectric) October 31, 2019
We forget he’s still young. We signed jagielka at 25 but many have written off holgate and he’s only just turned 23
— Will (@WAJG_96) October 31, 2019
Never understand why he was dropped. He had a couple of individual ricks but fewer than Keane.
— Emma O’Kennedy (@ScousePerkins) October 31, 2019
Holgate has featured on six occasions for Marco Silva’s side this term, three in the Premier League and three in the Carabao Cup.
Most notably the 23-year-old bagged a goal against Watford in the Toffees’ recent cup clash between the two (per BBC).
With some concerned as to who he would replace in Silva’s side, some supporters had a tactical solution.
I’d like to see him in the middle of a back three. This would allow us to play two central strikers . He proved against Brighton he can see a pass. Digne and Sidibe look quite capable as wing backs.
— Lawrence 707 (@BLOG7O7LOL) October 31, 2019
Always thought highly of him , particularly as he is quick . Has struggled in the past with physically big strikers and with his distribution but looking as if those two aspects have improved . Really hope he can keep it going .
— Paul Bargery (@BargeTours) October 31, 2019
Needs a run – our quickest and most mobile defender and we need to see whether he can be a long term answer. He needs a chance so we can have a proper answer to that question …. would love to see him and Mina alongside each other for a period, hopefully Mina sub precautionary
— Beav (@beav1967) October 31, 2019
What do we think?
Holgate averaged a 6.68/10 in the side’s recent 3-2 defeat away to Brighton and Hove Albion, proving he can be a reliable figure in the side when called upon (per Whoscored).
Coupled with the fact that Silva only has three senior central defenders to choose from for the Toffees (per Transfermarkt), more opportunities for the 23-year-old may just be around the corner.