With Everton close to completing a deal for young Barnsley defender Mason Holgate, we spoke to Andy Giddings of BBC Radio Sheffield for an in-depth analysis of the player.
Everton have reportedly beaten off interest from the likes of Bournemouth and Newcastle for Holgate’s signature, while Manchester United and Arsenal were also linked. Just how close was he to joining one of those clubs (in particular Bournemouth)?
It’s been an interesting summer of speculation regarding Mason Holgate. The one constant name has been Everton so it’s pleasing to see him end up at Goodison Park. I think for a time Holgate’s representative was trying to get him a move to anyone that would listen hence the speculation. What is certain is that he went for a two-week trial at Manchester United, as part of growing links between Barnsley and the Old Trafford hierarchy. Bournemouth’s interest was also genuine, I believe. Newcastle, Arsenal, and Aston Villa were also said to be interested but I’m convinced the Toffees and Bournemouth are the only clubs to have done anything about it.
This signing has gone under the radar somewhat. For those who don’t know much about Mason, what type of player should Everton fans expect to see?
Mason Holgate is a technically gifted centre-half in the mould of the modern day centre-back who looks comfortable in possession, whilst being extremely competent in the basic disciplines of defending. I think for a time in the youth ranks he’s also played in the defensive midfield role. He started his career in the Barnsley first team at right back and is mobile enough to be a threat going forward.
What would you say are his strengths and weaknesses?
Mason Holgate’s main strength is his ability on the ball, he’s also decent in the air. He was given his debut in 2014 by former Reds manager Danny Wilson and for someone of such a young age coped with first team football with a maturity that belied his tender years. I don’t think he’ll be fazed by the challenge that lies ahead.
His main weakness at moment is his physicality. Understandably for such a young player he’s not filled out properly yet. He can look, physically, like a boy playing a man’s game at times. When he has added some weight and possibly finished growing then he’ll be even more competent.
How far away from regular Premier League football is he? Could he compete for a first team spot or is he more likely to spend next season in the U21 squad?
I personally think Holgate will need a bit more time to adjust to life in the Premier League than say John Stones did, so I would predict he’s more likely to continue his development in the Everton U21 squad. Holgate looks more of a raw product at this stage of his career than Stones did during the short amount of time he spent in the Barnsley first team.
Some within the game are, perhaps inevitably, comparing Holgate to John Stones. Is this justified? How far do you think he can go in the game?
The comparisons with John Stones are understandable, certainly inevitable. There are similarities. Holgate, like Stones, is a top young player and I wouldn’t be surprised at all if he plays regular Premier League football one day. I have to say as a note of caution that Stones came to prominence in a higher division than Holgate which suggests he was far more equipped to make the step to the top flight.
In my view Everton are getting a great prospect, whose rise should be swift, but not necessarily as meteoric as Stones.
Thanks to Andrew for his time. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @Gids1980
