Exclusive: Campbell believes consistency is key for Everton’s Holgate
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes that Everton defender Mason Holgate is still yet to recapture his best form since returning from injury.
The 24-year-old missed the start of the season through injury but since returning he has been a mainstay in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Despite this, Campbell believes that Holgate still has more to give and the former Toffees captain wants to see more consistency from the defender.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “I think Mason Holgate has done ok. I think he was playing at right-back at one stage where he had Michael Keane next to him which helped him a lot.
“But playing centre half, it’s a bit different and after being out for a while it takes a while to really capture your form.
“You can have a couple of games here and there but it’s that consistency that everybody needs.
“He’s a younger player and I think it’s going to take a little bit of time to get that consistency back, that’s all. He’ll be fine, I’m sure.”
A highlight for Holgate this season, despite the loss, has to be the 1-0 home defeat to Leeds as he was handed the captaincy by Ancelotti.
He followed this up a few games later with his first goal of the season as he was instrumental in the impressive 2-0 win away at Leicester.
However, the stats do show that Holgate’s performances have dropped off slightly compared to last season.
According to Wyscout, Holgate has won 60% of his duels this season which is slightly less than the 62.7% of duels he won last term.
More generally, 72.5% of Holgate’s total actions have been successful this season compared to the 76.2% success rate he had last season, as per Wyscout.
This slight drop off isn’t too concerning as Holgate is still performing well this season.
If he can improve and become more consistent then Everton could have a serious player on their hands.
In other Everton news, Stan Collymore wants to see Dele Alli sign for the Toffees.