The Liverpool Echo reporter Sam Carroll has recently waxed lyrical over Everton defender Mason Holgate.
At the beginning of this term, the 24-year-old Englishman was absent for Carlo Ancelotti’s side after picking up an injury during pre-season, however, he has been back in action since November (per Transfermarkt).
The issue which he had been suffering with was a toe injury that he picked up during the pre-season friendly with Preston North End (per Liverpool Echo).
Since his return for the Toffees, Holgate has made six appearances in the Premier League, in which he has managed to find the back of the net on one occasion.
During the latest episode of the Liverpool Echo’s Royal Blue: The Everton FC Podcast, Carroll discussed Holgate and heaped praise on him for his recent form.
He said: “Mason Holgate is just Mr. Dependable now and I think Mason, probably out of [Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and himself], has gone under the radar the most.
“He’s a leader in this team. How old is he? 23/24, absolutely superb. You talk about pound-for-pound signings, obviously [Dominic] Calvert-Lewin would be up there but again, Mason Holgate for £1m…
“I think Holgate’s similar to Godfrey – I think you can play him right-back, left-back, centre-back, centre-mid as he showed last season and he’ll be excellent.”
TIF Thoughts on what Sam Carroll said about Mason Holgate…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, he believes that Holgate has turned out to be an impressive purchase and he is useful as an all-rounder in defence and central midfield.
Does Mason Holgate have a big future with Everton?
No, he's not that good
Yes, he's a class player
Certainly, over the Englishman’s six appearances in the league this season, he has shown his ability by earning a 7.16/10 average rating, making him Everton’s fourth-best performer (per WhoScored).
In terms of value for money, too, the 24-year-old’s market value has risen from £900,000 shortly after Everton bought him in 2015 to a whopping £16.2m currently (per Transfermarkt).
So, it is abundantly clear to see what an impressive purchase Holgate has been for the Toffees.