This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers.
Marco Silva says Mason Holgate’s return to the starting XI is fully deserved after watching the 23-year-old training.
What did he say?
Holgate has found some rare game time this past week, starting against both Brighton & Hove Albion and Watford. Manager Silva has had nothing but praise Holgate for his actions thus far and even claimed he visited his office for advice.
Silva told Everton: “Mason understood our defensive idea really well from the first day I came. He is a clever player.
“But it is one thing if you know [what is required], another if you practice every single day.
“Mason came to my office not just because he wasn’t playing, he wanted to know what he should do in a different way to improve.
“It is easy for Mason to understand the job we have been doing with the central defenders since we [Silva and his staff] joined the Club. We will do the same with Mason.
“Sometimes it is up to them to work every single day in the way I think is best to perform and develop football players.
“Mason has a very good profile as a central defender, in my opinion, he has the talent and quality.”
Time for a permanent role
Holgate may have come back into the side because of injuries, but he has applied himself better than most this season. The form of both Michael Keane and Mina has been questionable all season, as the club still sits just two points above the drop zone.
Keane has also been at fault for goals conceded on international duty, as he put in poor performances for England. Indeed, all of these signs point towards a starting role for Holgate in replace of either Keane or Mina.
The former Barnsley defender has also pitched in on the goals since his return to the side. His smart assist for Dominic Calvert-Lewin against the Seagulls gave Everton the lead at that time. Plus, in midweek, his first goal for the club broke the deadlock against Watford, helping progress the club to the next round.
It is clear with yet another injury scare to Mina that he needs rest, so maybe it is time for a permanent starting role for Holgate.
