Everton’s ideal XI following the January window

Mason Holgate

An impressive young defender who is improving game after game, Mason Holgate looks set for a sustained run in the Everton first team.

The 19-year-old has been on the peripheries of the first team all season, and actually played the Toffees’ first few Premier League games of the campaign, but it has been in the last five weeks where he has really come into his own.

Koeman recalled him for the trip to Leicester on Boxing Day, and the England Under-21 international put in a fine performance to help his side to a 2-0 win, earning him subsequent league starts against Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

Holgate deserved his place in the side, and more impressive displays will see him consistently start in the first team for a while yet.