Everton news: Ex-Everton man Ball defends Holgate's recent dip in form

Former Everton defender Michael Ball believes that Mason Holgate’s recent dip in form is due to him playing in a position he isn’t suited to.

None of the Everton squad showered themselves in glory in the 2-1 loss to Burnley on Saturday, but Holgate was one player who some fans on Twitter singled out as particularly unimpressive.

The 24-year old played right-back for the Blues and was expected to equally get forward and support from width as he was expected to defend resolutely, and his crossing ability left some wanting more from the player.

Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, ex-Toffee Ball defended Holgate by explaining that he shouldn’t face blame for struggling in a role that isn’t his preferred position.

Ball wrote: “Mason Holgate isn’t a full-back, and he’s playing there because we were playing against teams who were strong coming forward and we wanted to be steady at the back.

“He’s done that. But he’s had a few rocky performances in the last few weeks. Against Burnley at home I’m not sure we needed a back four to be set up in that way, but you’ve got to trust in Carlo Ancelotti’s decision.

“I think the reason he played Mason was to keep it compact at the back because our diamond in midfield left no protection in front of the full-backs. It was down that right side again that teams are focusing on to hurt us.

“He’s not a natural full-back, he’s a centre-half. So it’s not Mason’s fault and it is difficult for him. Against good opposition, you do get found out eventually.”

Obvious yet accurate

Ball touches on something here that sounds simple and obvious, but he does have a valid point.

Holgate has played right-back on a number of occasions, not just for Everton but also for Barnsley and almost exclusively for West Brom during his loan spell at the Hawthorns.

That being said though, he has never been naturally gifted in that position. His best spell for Everton came in the second half of last season where he played at centre-back every single week.

Players like Ben Godfrey have shown that versatility is a valuable asset to have, but it’s also unrealistic to expect all players to be equally as skilled at adapting to an unfamiliar or unnatural position when required. Some can’t make the change so easily.

Holgate has shown in the past that he is certainly deserving of a future at Goodison Park.

However, Carlo Ancelotti would likely get more out of him if he allowed him to play in the centre of defence and found a long-term solution to the club’s right-back problem.

‘Not Mason’s fault’ – Michael Ball defends Holgate after recent dip in form