Shearer big fan of Everton youngster
There certainly weren’t too many players who stole the show in the 1-1 draw between Everton and West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.
If there was one, though, it was perhaps Toffees centre back Mason Holgate, who has emerged as one of Carlo Ancelotti’s most reliable players.
The 23-year-old put in a good shift once again against the Hammers, making a number of crucial interventions throughout the game.
The Englishman even did enough to attract the attention of the Premier League’s all-time record goalscorer Alan Shearer.
“He’s maturing and getting better all the time,” he said on Match of the Day [18/01; 74:30]. “He’s getting a consistent run in the team now.
“I like this: the confidence to pass it through the middle of the park with pace on it. His decision-making, I thought, was excellent – he’s in control of this situation there…
“No-nonsense, but also not afraid to play. He was really impressive. Quick, strong, and everything you’d want in a performance from one of your defenders.”
How good was Holgate on Saturday?
In a word? Excellent.
This was a Man of the Match display from the youngster. He was absolutely dominant, and got an assist, as well, when he flicked the ball on for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to nod home.
Holgate made four tackles, two interceptions, five clearances and two blocks, to go with a pass success rate of 89.3%. All this led to a game-best WhoScored rating of 8.56.
This is a man who’s really finding his feet this season. Ancelotti must be hugely impressed with him, as Shearer clearly is.
In other Everton news, the aforementioned Calvert-Lewin has been raving over one Toffees starlet.