Goodison News View: Journo spot on as he claims Everton star ‘blowing’ teammate ‘out of the water’
If you asked at the start of this season who the two first choice centre backs were for Everton, the answer would likely have been Michael Keane and Yerry Mina.
The England international and his Colombian counterpart were firmly established at the heart of the Toffees’ defence, particularly after Kurt Zouma remained at Chelsea.
However, there’s no doubt that Mason Holgate has superseded Keane, at least, in the centre half pecking order.
Yes, Keane came back in against Crystal Palace last time out and did OK, but Holgate has been far outperforming him this campaign.
That’s certainly the point of view of journalist David Prentice: “Mason Holgate is “currently” blowing Michael Keane out of the water with his performances,” he wrote on the Liverpool Echo website.
There’s no doubt that that’s the case, although interestingly that’s not quite apparent in their defensive statistics.
Keane actually averages more interceptions and clearances per game, while Holgate has the edge in tackles and blocks.
In terms of his all-round game, though, the younger man is way ahead of the former Burnley stalwart.
Holgate has claimed three assists to Keane’s none, while he averages more key passes, crosses, long balls forward, through balls and a superior pass success rate.
Indeed, there’s a reason why the 23-year-old has an average WhoScored rating of 6.80 and Keane’s is only 6.73.
It’s the eye test that really demonstrates the edge Holgate has, though. The former Barnsley star simply looks so much more assured at the back and in possession.
It’s good to have competition at the back, which is why the emergence of Holgate this campaign has been so refreshing to watch.
In other Everton news, the club are reportedly battling several teams for a winger tearing it up in Holland.