Supporters of Everton have gushed over Mason Holgate’s performance following the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Ducan Ferguson was on hand to provide everyone in the blue half of Merseyside with a surprise on Sunday afternoon by deploying the 23-year-old Englishman in midfield as opposed to defence for their trip to the Red Devils (as per The Guardian).
With Holgate then putting in an inspired display in the middle of the park, and picking up an 8/10 rating for his troubles (via Liverpool Echo), supporters gushed over their man following a social media post by the club (as per Everton).
| Mason Holgate in central midfield. That’s it. That’s the tweet.@Davanti_Tyres #PerformanceDriven pic.twitter.com/O9g16IWyO5
— Everton (@Everton) December 15, 2019
Best midfielder on the pitch and he’s not even a midfielder
— Vic (@victoriacarlin_) December 15, 2019
He was class today applause
— Nigerian Toffee ?? (@NaijaToffee) December 15, 2019
Played well today him, hope he keeps up
— Amanda EFC (@missiefc) December 15, 2019
Ad a blinder , keep him there
— mogsy (@mogs157) December 15, 2019
Should Mason Holgate continue to play in midfield for Everton going forward?Yes, he was fantastic
No, should stay back |
The game on Sunday was the first time that the former West Bromwich Albion loanee had featured in the position all season across his 11 Premier League appearances (per Transfermarkt), usually more accustomed to centre-back or right-back.
When the initial team lineup was released an hour before kick-off, many were followed into believing that Ferguson had opted for a 5-3-2, including the club’s media (as per Everton), however, sticking with the 4-4-2 was an inspired choice.
I thought he played really well. Positionally he was fantastic to say it was a late change to put him in the middle of the park.
Always admired his confidence too.
— thatdavid_ (@thatdavid_) December 15, 2019
Outstanding today
— JLapham (@joelappo) December 15, 2019
The lad blind a blinder today! Incredible for the lad to just fill in like he did. Be great to see him progress and see if that’s where his future lies
— (@L91EFC) December 15, 2019
Holgate looked far more comfortable in midfield. Composed on the ball and able to win his 50/50s. It helped the two centre halves who I thought held their games together well. Every injury cloud has a silver lining!
— Roddy Craig (@RoddyCraig1) December 15, 2019
What do we think?
Somewhat surprisingly, Holgate, who is valued at £6.3 million (as per Transfermarkt), was fantastic in the middle of the park for the Toffees, as he was assured and strong, while being calm and composed at the same time.
Having displayed his aptitude for the position on arguably the biggest stage in the Premier League, the Goodison Park faithful may have to get used to seeing their 23-year-old in that position more often.