Holgate, Your Views

Glory supporter.

 

Not answering your specific questions but I'll give you my briefish answer......

He's good, very good imho. Laikin (playing) RB for us but he's a natural CH. that speaks volumes cos in his 20+ games in the 'mans game' he's only been caught out once as I remember.

If we've got £1mill+ and a decent 'package' then I'm happy. As soon as his agents were pimping him out then it's best all round he's yours. Good luck to the lad...... last point tho....... I'd still (depending on your teams performances /position etc) not be surprised if he never made a PL appearance!

 

Buggar off Paul, its not James.... Yes I regret those few saved pounds.. I blame sugg sports for having a bargin bin....

 

Holgate is just as accomplished a footballer as John Stones: he passes the ball well, his close control is excellent, he can bring the ball out of defence, he can tackle and he wins more than his fair share of headers. What Holgate hasn't got, and what the vast majority of young players haven't got, is John Stones' physical attributes. That's what makes Stones special. Not only is Stones a skilful player, he's also big, strong and powerful, he can run all day, he's fast and when he's at full speed he's still in complete control of the ball or his opposite number. You very rarely get that when a player breaks through in to the first team as a teenager.

Holgate looks and plays like an 18 year old with huge potential. I've seen a number of players of a similar standard progress from Barnsley's youth team to the first team over the years, all of whom have gone on to have good careers in football. I've no doubt Holgate will do the same. Whether or not it's at a club as big as Everton, only time will tell.

When John Stones first played for us he looked and played like he was 25 and that he'd been doing it for years. He made mistakes as all young players do, but it was difficult to believe he was only 18. I've been watching Barnsley for over 35 years and the only other player we've had in that time who looked so good and so mature at 18 was David Hirst who went on to score 100+ goals in the Premier League and win an England call up. I can't recall seeing that many players for other teams who had the same skills and physical attributes as Stones when they were so young; Steven Gerrard springs to mind.

In Holgate you've bought a player with a lot of potential. I wish him well and hope he's successful for Everton. But he's not John Stones and I hope, after the initial fervor, the comparison between the players stops as it's unfair on a young lad to be judged against another, just because they were both signed from the same club.

 

I'd actually say Holgate has got one thing that Stones hasn't, a bit ok skill, he can stand a player up and beat him with a bit of magic, he's done it for us on numerous occasions, has made a mug of a few.

 

I`ll go along wi this, you`ve bought the potential, now its up to you what you do with it.

Think the lad has chosen the reight club, a club that seem to give managers time and so with a year or so gaining a bit more experience in the game could see him pushing for a first team place.

 

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- There has been a lot of speculation about Mason Holgate, do you think he could an Everton first team player in the future (or even now)?

Not now. A lot will depend on how he develops. Everton are buying potential, and Holgate certainly has that.

- Are you happy with the money you got for Holgate, or do you think Barnsley should have asked for more?

Holgate has had half a season in the third tier. If the figures quoted (£1million + add ons) then I am happy.

- Does he have the potential to get to the current ability of John Stones (better/worse?)

There has been a great deal of criticism about Holgate's attitude. Whether this is due to his agent is a matter of conjecture. Stones is a one off I believe. His attitude both on and off the pitch is first class. Time will tell

- Who will replace Holgate at Barnsley?

James Bree.

 

Holgate a similar type of player to Stones but he's not quite as good at everything if you get me.

He's fairly quick but not as quick.

He's very good on the ball for a centre back but not exceptional like Stones is.

He's a good passer & has good composure but not quite to the same level as Stones.

And he hasn't got the physical attributes Stones has, height, strength & pace.

That's not me putting Holgate down because he's still a very good player in his own right who could well make it in the premiership. I just don't think he'll ever get to the heights Stones has & will get to.

I'm guessing another centre back will be signed by Everton & he'll end up fourth choice this season which is good for him as he'll learn off the other 3 centre backs & get games in the cups & if there's injuries.

 

I'm from Donny but now live in and support Barnsley, and when I say Donny I don't mean goldthorpe/conisboro on the edgetypes I mean scawthorpe/Bentley Donny donny

 

That explains a lot

 

Cheers for everybody's responses, not all forums are as helpful or as active!

I have included one quote from everybody at http://toffeemen.co.uk/2015/08/15/barnsleyhavetheirsayonmasonholgate.php - to be honest I was only expecting 3/4 responses, so that's the reason why we only included the one answer.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Blues at Oakwell, I live about 10 minutes from the ground - so it will be nice to just walk out my door and to the match for once (rather than travelling 3 hours for a home game!!)

I was going to support Newcastle as a 6 year old due to all my friends in school supporting them, but luckily my Dad is a massive Evertonian, and guided me on the right path!!!

 

Definitely not right now but could potentially develop into a first team regular. You've bought potential.

It sounds like we've got a pretty good deal so I'm quite happy with the deal.

He's nowhere near John Stones and never will be in my opinion but this doesn't mean he won't develop into a good player.

James Bree / a new signing.

 

............

 

Bit surprised to see so many say Bree's a better prospect.

For me, Bree looked better going forward & Holgate was a better defender but none of us really know how good Holgate is because he's barely played for us in his natural position, centre back.

 

Cheers for everybody's responses, not all forums are as helpful or as active!

I have included one quote from everybody at http://toffeemen.co.uk/2015/08/15/ba...sonholgate.php - to be honest I was only expecting 3/4 responses, so that's the reason why we only included the one answer.

I'm really looking forward to seeing the Blues at Oakwell, I live about 10 minutes from the ground - so it will be nice to just walk out my door and to the match for once (rather than travelling 3 hours for a home game!!)