Why Mason Holgate would be a smart signing for Bournemouth

Back in August, a report from the Sun had claimed that Bournemouth were one of the clubs interested in a £10million swoop for Everton defender Mason Holgate. However, a move didn’t materialise and he has since stayed put at Everton.

Mason Holgate, 22, has been on the books of Everton since the summer of 2015 when he made the move to Merseyside from Barnsley. The arrival of Yerry Mina coupled with the loan addition of Kurt Zouma last season saw the defender’s minutes on the pitch take a significant drop.

The England Under-21 international was farmed out on loan in January when he joined West Brom in the Championship for the second half of the season. He enjoyed a solid loan spell at the Hawthorns, establishing himself as a vital cog in the Baggies’ defence.

Now back at Everton, Holgate has found chances difficult to come by this season. He has made just one appearance and that too as a substitute, with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane the first-choice defenders.

At the age of 22, Holgate needs to play regularly if he is to unlock his true potential. That being said, Bournemouth should rekindle their interest in the defender in January 2020.

Bournemouth started the last season very well but couldn’t find consistency despite several stars shining throughout the 2018/19, finishing 14th in the table. Eddie Howe managed only a couple of new signings over the summer but there are still some areas that need addressing.

The Cherries leaked goals at an alarming rate in 2018/19 and the way they have started the new campaign, things don’t look like changing until Howe brings in a new defender. In that case, Holgate would be a good signing for the sea coast club.

Holgate is a versatile player, who can play right-back and centre-back and displayed last season he is beginning to mature as a player. During his time with West Brom, he played 23 games and helped the club reach the Championship play-offs.

The former Barnsley man is hardworking, tenacious, quick and extremely strong in the tackle. He is a modern-day stopper as he makes a swift transition from defence to attack.

The 22-year-old has good pace in his locker and can bring the ball out from the back with ease. However, the English defender is still in his learning years and there are a couple of areas where he needs to improve.

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Howe, who has a history of nurturing young talents at the Vitality Stadium, would certainly be the perfect manager to help Holgate iron the flaws out of his game.

Verdict

Holgate needs to play regularly at this age and a move to Bournemouth could help him develop as a player under the watchful eyes of Howe.