‘We’re different players’ – Everton 21-year-old rejects comparison with Manchester City player
By Aramide Oladipo
Everton youngster Mason Holgate is adamant that he should not be compared to Manchester City defender John Stones.
Stones, 23, secured a permanent move from Merseyside to the Etihad Stadium last season for a reported fee of £47.5million.
The defender is renowned for his calmness on the ball and his ability to play the ball out comfortably from the back.
Stones struggled in his debut campaign in Manchester as a number of individual errors cost his side valuable points in their bid to win the Premier League.
Speaking in an interview with the Telegraph, Holgate revealed that he did want to be compared with his former teammate despite their similarities.
“I think me and Stones are different players,” he said.
“Obviously comparisons are going to be made because he’s from the same background as me.
“But I think we’re different players and I am just trying to focus on what I can do and see where that takes me.”
Holgate, 21, has now become an important member of the Everton first-team since making his breakthrough into the side last season.
The defender has featured in eight matches for the Merseyside club in all competitions this season.
The youngster endured a tough time in his last game, conceding the deciding penalty in Everton’s 2-1 loss against Ligue 1 outfit Lyon in the Europa League in midweek.
Holgate will be hopeful that his mistake will not cost him more game time later down the line both domestically and in Europe this season.
In other Everton news, the club are reportedly lining up this former La Liga manager to replace Koeman.
We’ve launched a << BREAKING NEWS FEED>> exclusively for your club. ‘Like Us’ on Facebook by clicking here if you want 24/7 updates on all Everton breaking news.