According to football scouting writer David Alexander Hughes on Twitter, Everton defender Mason Holgate has acquired a defensive duel success rate of 72.81% – better than the likes of Caglar Soyuncu, Harry Maguire and even Virgil Van Dijk this campaign.
Holgate, who has seemingly worked his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s favour at centre-back alongside Yerry Mina in the back four, has arguably impressed this season in most aspects – amassing 1.7 tackles per game over former defensive favourite Michael Keane (1.3), as per WhoScored.com.
The Englishman also impressed during Everton’s dramatic 3-2 comeback away to Watford, winning 5/6 ground duels and 5/7 aerial battles according to SofaScore. Now, as per the statistical revelation from Hughes, the 23-year-old has also gone on to complete a duel success rate of 72.81% which eclipses even that of Van Dijk’s numbers.
As a result, Toffees supporters have flocked to praise the defender for his arguable consistency and panache – here’s what they had to say on social media.
Extend that contract….
— Richard A. Hughes (@ricardofodol) February 2, 2020
Our best cb and our best midfielder 🤭
— Matty N (@Mattyblag) February 2, 2020
He has done very well,got all his dodgy defending out the way in the summer,plus he and co would be joint 2nd if we began league when silva left pic.twitter.com/p4yvVCkIuq
— Mike Mcguinness (@Mysteryman79) February 2, 2020
Not bad for a player that was gonna be sold by Silva. Sometimes things just click. I think Duncan gave him the fair crack and he has now focused on the betterment of the team. Have to keep him in the team
— Sean Hollywood (@seanphwood_sean) February 2, 2020
I love stats. Our best defender and midfielder in that last game
— Ommadon (@beusefulll) February 2, 2020
I think he picks his battles quite well. Seems to know his limitations and when to go in for a tackle and when he should stand up and shift play out wide. Was at game yesterday and recent West Ham game and thought he was prob our best player in both.
— Sasha (@SashaBK) February 2, 2020
How have you rated Mason Holgate’s season so far? Join the discussion by commenting below…
