‘That’s a problem’ – Exclusive: Campbell concerned over Everton defensive issue
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 insists Mason Holgate isn’t a capable right-back after his poor performance contributed to another Everton home loss.
The Blues went down 2-1 to Burnley at Goodison Park and Holgate had an absolute shocker in the full-back role.
The defender is a natural centre-half and Campbell claims his former side can’t afford to shoehorn players into unnatural positions anymore.
“The problem is that Mason Holgate is not a right-back,” Campbell exclusively told Goodison News.
“He is not a recognised right back and he is much better at centre half. He’s also done a decent job in the middle of the park as a holding midfielder.
“But at right-back when Everton need quality on the ball, it’s not him. He’s doing a job for the team but the levels have risen at Everton and that’s a problem.
“Putting players in there just to fill in isn’t enough anymore. You need quality to be there because the full-back is also a key part of your attack.
“If you haven’t got it then you’re going to struggle.”
Holgate has been decent at times this season but he was horribly exposed against the Clarets.
The 24-year-old only won 40% of his defensive duels, according to Wyscout, as the Burnley attackers ran rings round the out of position defender.
This performance again brought the right-back problem to the forefront of Everton fan’s minds.
We don’t have an adequate Seamus Coleman replacement which means when he is injured, which is often, we don’t know what to do.
This problem must be addressed in the summer if we are to progress as a club.
Holgate does have a future at Goodison Park and possibly even at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium but he simply isn’t a full back.
In other Everton news, Fenerbahce are interested in signing Everton forward Josh King this summer.