View: Holgate switch could be tactical masterstroke when key player returns for Everton
Mason Holgate’s impressive displays at right back this season are showing why he can become an essential cog in the future of the Everton defence, and it could help to free up the returning Lucas Digne.
After struggling with an injury at the start of the season, Holgate has come roaring back into the Everton first team, starting their last four Premier League games as they have racked up wins in all four.
Although he is generally considered to be more naturally suited to the centre of defence, Holgate has been excelling at right back recently, with captain Seamus Coleman relegated to substitute appearances after struggling with an injury of his own.
Coleman’s absence from the team has opened up an opportunity for Holgate, one he has taken with both hands.
In the Boxing Day victory over Sheffield United, Holgate was awarded the WhoScored star man, with a rating of 7.9, and showed his versatility when Coleman replaced Michael Keane for the final third of the game, shifting across to centre back to great effect.
That was Holgate’s second man of the match display in three Premier League games, after he scored against Leicester City in a 2-0 win for the Toffees, picking up another impressive rating of 7.96.
Although it is a relatively short sample size of four matches, Holgate’s 7.38 rating at right back is something to ponder for Ancelotti moving forward, with Coleman sat on 6.92 (in six starts).
Solid at the back
Holgate’s emergence at right back has also coincided with a fantastic Everton defensive record.
In those four games, Everton have kept four clean sheets, with just one goal conceded, a penalty by Arsenal’s Nicolas Pepe on December 19, a match Everton edged 2-1 at Goodison Park.
On other other side, another centre back who has covered with consummate ease at full back is Ben Godfrey.
However, it is arguable that fielding two inverted full backs has had a negative impact on striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has only scored one goal in his last seven games.
With news of Digne’s impending return to first team action, after the left back resumed training this week, Godfrey looks likely to drop out of the starting XI soon.
This could mean good news for Calvert-Lewin, with the quality service of Digne apparent in his league high 6.4 crosses per 90, per WyScout, but it could also mean the start of a new tactical set up in the Everton team.
With Holgate at right back, Ancelotti can rest easy knowing that he has a player capable of tucking in and forming a back three to cover for Digne’s attacking heroics down the other side.
While Coleman is no slouch, Holgate’s youthful energy, combined with his strong physique, is a valuable asset for Everton as they look to balance defence and attack.
The 32-year-old is by no means finished at the top level, but Holgate’s emergence in his position has given Ancelotti serious options to consider as they plot their route to the European places this season.
In other Everton news, our view on Calvert-Lewin’s recent goal drought.