Mason Holgate thanks behind-the-scenes figure for Everton success in 19/20
Everton defender Mason Holgate has thanked Director of Football Marcel Brands for showing faith in him at the beginning of the season.
The Toffees star spent the 18/19 season on loan at West Brom in the Championship and believed he would be doing the same in this campaign.
The 23-year-old went on to make 27 appearances in the Premier League, keeping his spot under Carlo Ancelotti.
Holgate admitted he was happy that he remained at Goodison Park, and claimed Brands was a big factor behind that.
“I spoke to Marcel before going to West Brom and I did the same at the start of the season because I thought I would have to go out to play games,” he told the official website.
“I have made clear for the past two years I just want to play football. I felt I needed to get my point across and show I wanted more than to be filling up a space here.
“But I am glad I stayed with it and the club stayed with me. Marcel has always shown faith in me.”
Holgate has been superb, and that could be down to the faith shown in him by Brands – someone who has been criticised heavily recently.
The 23-year-old has completed 3.5 clearances and 1.6 tackles per game according to WhoScored, and he has pushed himself ahead of the likes of Yerry Mina.
Mina and Holgate ended the season injured, and with the Toffees reportedly on the lookout for another central defender, the competition is set to rise next season.
In other Everton news, Toffees set to rival Manchester United for their number one defensive target this summer