This is the Everton XI that can secure a European spot this season

Mason Holgate

Young defender Mason Holgate has been on the peripheries of the first team for much of the campaign, but has recently broken into the Everton starting line-up.

And it’s clear from his performances that he has the ability to go on and become an excellent defender for both club and possibly country.

The 20-year-old, who received his first England Under-21 cap last year, started the season in Koeman’s first team, although lost his place and then didn’t return to the side until December 4, when he came on as a second half substitute against Manchester United.

Since then though, Holgate has been a regular feature in the side, especially when Koeman plays a back three, and performed well in the wins over both Manchester City and Crystal Palace last month.

Although he lost his starting berth last week against Stoke, the youngster is both for the future, and indeed the present, and could be key to Everton’s chances of qualifying for Europe this term.