Robinson raves over one Everton player who started v Newcastle
The 2-2 draw between Everton and Newcastle United on Tuesday night was intensely disappointing for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The Toffees somehow managed to throw away a 2-0 lead in stoppage time at the end of the game, despite putting in 90 minutes of terrific football.
However, putting aside all the frustration, there were some hugely encouraging individual performances amongst Ancelotti’s men.
Strikers Moise Kean and Dominic Calvert-Lewin both got on the scoresheet, while Bernard impressed again.
However, it was centre back Mason Holgate who, not for the first time, caught the eye of England international Paul Robinson.
“I think he’s doing well every week, I think he’s been brilliant as he’s been very very very good for Everton all season,” he told Football Insider. “He’s enjoyed his move to centre-half and he’s held his place down in the team.
“He’s improved throughout, he’s defended really well even when Everton were struggling at the start of the season, and I think at that time, he was one of the few who could walk off with his head held high, along with Tom Davies.
“I don’t think Ancelotti has had an impact on form, well not a huge impact as he was doing well before him. He’s a player whose probably developed a bit late, but credit to him, he’s worked hard, kept his place in the team and he’s been one of Everton’s best players this year.”
How good has Holgate been this season?
He has, simply put, been the team’s best player this campaign. Really, who could even compete with him? Maybe Calvert-Lewin, but Holgate’s been more consistent.
Robinson’s right that Ancelotti hasn’t been hugely influential in the 23-year-old’s fine form, because he was doing this before the Italian arrived as well.
So, yes, Holgate has been excellent. He’s a quality young player who is only going to get better, and he’s undoubtedly Ancelotti’s best centre half at the moment.
In other Everton news, a former England international has claimed that the Toffees could struggle to offload one player Ancelotti is ready to sell.