Evertonโs Mason Holgate knows the quality of talent in his club.
With big results against big Premier League giants last season but some head-scratching performances against lesser opposition, Holgate believes an increase in focus will help the Toffees contend for a place in Europe in 2021-22.
Everton, after all, took four of six points from Liverpool, Leicester City, and Tottenham, swept Arsenal, and drew Manchester United at Old Trafford.
It also took zero points from Newcastle and lost to Sheffield United, Burnley, and Fulham at Goodison Park.
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โI donโt know the statistics in it but in my head if you look at the results last year against the big teams we were up there against anyone in the league, not often getting beaten,โ Holgate said, speaking to ProSoccerTalk while Stateside for the Florida Cup, which saw Everton defeat Millonarios in penalties on Sunday ahead of a friendly with Mexicoโs Pumas UNAM on Wednesday.
โBut we lost a lot of points against the lower teams in the league, so if somebody asks which way youโd want it, Iโd choose this one because itโs easier to work on consistency. Taking the experience of going out and winning the big games, and doing that every single week.โ
Everton hired the coach for that particular job when it lured Rafa Benitez back to Merseyside to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton players excited to work with Benitez
Benitez is known for his big expectations and rigid training sessions, something that the 24-year-old Holgate has already noted in his first few weeks with the ex-Liverpool and Napoli boss.
โItโs early days, but the consistency of the training sessions is clear to see already,โ Holgate said. โThe way that heโs trying to do the same things and wants you to keep doing the same things, drilling it into us, itโs going to become second nature so it doesnโt matter who weโre playing against, we just have to do our job. Because talent-wise, we know what kind of squad we have and we should be competing for European places.โ
Holgate took some big steps under Ancelotti in 2020-21, making his most PL starts and appearances while setting new career standards for tackles per 90 minutes (2.56), blocks (2.17), and percentage of duels won (64.6).
But he wouldnโt go as far as to call his season, which started two months late thanks to an ankle injury, a leap forward.
โUltimately a small step,โ Holgate said. โCenter back is a thinking role that comes with experience but it was a big step in that it was the first season I felt like I was looked upon to lead. Before I was seen like one of the young lads, just go in and do what you can do. Now itโs only Seamus Coleman (pictured with Holgate above) whoโs been there longer than me, so thereโs an onus to show the boys what it means. Thatโs brought out a different part of my game and my character. Itโs something Iโm enjoying and hopefully itโs something I can build on until I get to those years where Iโm peaking.โ
We also asked Holgate about the highs and lows of following Englandโs incredible run to the EURO 2020 Final.
Holgate said following his good friend Jordan Pickfordโs success en route to the runner-up finish made it even more fun.
โIf you look at the performances the team put in, itโs something that brought the whole nation together,โ Holgate said. โEverything literally stopped (when there was a match). The country came to a standstill. One of my best friends is Jordan and to see him do so well, it was just massive. I was so happy for him. Itโs unbelievable as someone whoโs always supported England.โ
England national team is leading anti-racism battle
Holgate was appalled but not surprised at the racial abuse given to Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka after the trio missed penalties in the final.
While Holgate was encouraged by the widespread rebuking of the abuse, he noted that some of the people shocked by it should take a look in the mirror.
โI donโt know what itโs like in America, but people act shocked about things like this but at the start of the tournament, England is taking a knee and a lot of people were stepping out and saying they disagree,โ Holgate said. โSo now when this side of it comes afterwards, those people saying they canโt believe itโs happened and condemning it canโt act shocked when things like this happened. It just doesnโt really make sense. People are quick to support the black players and were loving it when Sterling scored. Then the three lads missed penalties, and everybody misses penalties it doesnโt matter your skin color. Itโs good to see so many people against the few.โ
Back to this weekโs competition, Holgate says the United States has been his favorite place to visit, though he wonโt get to go to his beloved theme parks on this trip.
Heโs enjoyed time in Orlando, Los Angeles, New York City, and Las Vegas the most.
Well, sort of.
โThe week after I wouldnโt have picked Vegas as my favorite, but at the timeโฆโ
