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Everton youngster Mason Holgate believes that he is developing the necessary skill-set in the final third to become a top Premier League full-back.

The 20-year-old followed John Stones from Barnsley to Goodison Park but whereas his fellow Yorkshireman arrived as a right-back and was moved to the heart of defence, Holgate, initially considered a centre-back has made the opposite move across the pitch.

After making his debut on the right-hand side of a back three at home to Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of last season, Holgate kept his place in the team as a right-back after Ronald Koeman reverted to a flat back four, making 21 appearances in all competitions.

With Seamus Coleman still a long-term absentee following a double leg-break, the opportunity is there for Holgate to hold on to his place in the side down the flank.

As he continues to learn the game at the highest level, Holgate doesn’t see himself as being pigeon-holed to one specific position; but reveals he has been working on the more offensive attributes required of modern full-backs that Coleman has become synonymous for.

He told the ECHO: “As a centre-back coming across, the attacking side of my game is not going to be the same as a winger dropping back.

“They’d have to work on defending whereas I’ve got to work on attacking.

"But definitely the more games I’ve played there it’s coming on a lot more, and I’m feeling a lot more comfortable in the final third and looking forward to the season now.

“The manager doesn’t really point me in any particular direction when it comes to my position on the pitch.

“People seem to see me as a centre-back but I wouldn’t say that I was a definite centre-back. I don’t feel like I’m a centre-back playing at right-back – I can play both positions.

“It doesn’t affect me that much, so long as I’m playing I can do either.”

Holgate was given an extended break this summer after playing for England in the European Under-21 Championships and was an unused substitute for both legs of the Europa League third qualifying round tie with Ruzomberok but was handed a starting berth for Sunday’s friendly at home to Sevilla.

(Image: PIOTR NOWAK/AFP/Getty Images)

It was while on international duty at the tournament in Poland that his Young Lions team-mate goalkeeper Jordan Pickford signed for Everton and Holgate believes the pair have already built up a good understanding.

He said: “Me and Pickers get on really well on and off the field now. We’re on the same wavelength.

“I know all the ability he’s got and that he can find me anywhere on the field and he pretty much knows my game inside out now through playing and training and I think we work well together.

“You know wherever you’re stood, if you’re open he’ll find you.

“Left or right foot he can pick out anybody and it’s good to know you’ve got that kind of distribution behind you.

“People like Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams can still help Jordan because for a goalkeeper he is still very young but he is confident and I don’t think that age is affecting any of us and we don’t feel inferior because we’re younger. If anything it gives us a little bit more confidence and we’re all pretty much sound with things like that.”

Given that he hadn’t played a Premier League game at this time last year, Holgate acknowledges that he’s enjoyed a rapid rise over the past 12 months but remains focussed on continuing his progress.

With Everton having embarked on a major spending spree this summer to bolster their ranks he is well-aware that competition for places will be fierce.

Despite the void left by Coleman’s misfortune, other contenders for Holgate’s shirt include homegrown prospect Jonjoe Kenny who was a World Cup winner with England’s Under-20s this summer thanks to Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal against Venezuela plus new recruit from Southampton Cuco Martina.

However, Holgate welcomes the squad-strengthening at Goodison Park and relishes the challenge.

He said: “It’s kind of been a whirlwind year but it’s been everything I’d been hoping for and I’m ready for the new season.

“I’m just going to take it as it comes week in, week out. I’m not sat here now with an aim to play a certain amount of games, it’s just a case of whatever matches I am involved in I just want to do the best I can for the team.

“If I play just once all season or go on and play them all I want to do as much as I can during the time I’m on the field.

“I think everything is open in all positions. I don’t think the manager has already picked his team. It’s up for grabs and whoever is doing the business will get played.

“It’s definitely exciting times for everyone at the club. When you’re sat at home watching Sky Sports News and see the names that we’re linked with then it’s a boost because you know you’re going to get a stronger all-round squad and there’s going to be more success when you’ve got the quality of players that we have coming in, it’s really positive being part of it.”