Elder statesmen Gareth Barry and Leighton Baines, along with new kid on the block, Mason Holgate, have all deservedly signed contract extensions, and importantly so.
The Barry and Baines contract extensions are almost as important off the pitch as they are on it. The pair have over three decades of first-team experience between them. They’re both distinguished leaders who can pass their knowledge and experience on to the younger players.
Players like 20-year-old Holgate will grow, develop and learn exponentially quicker just by being around the experienced, accomplished pair.
Speaking of Holgate, he’s the kind of versatile youngster Everton can bank their future on.
Leighton Baines signs two-year extension
Baines, 32, has signed an extension that will see him remain at Goodison until June 2019. The experienced left back has spent more than half of his professional career with the Blues, and is currently playing in his 10th season with Everton. The Liverpool match on Monday night will mark his 352nd Everton appearance.
Ronald Koeman weighed in how important Baines’ contract extension is for the team and city.
“With Leighton, his attitude is always perfect. He likes to work hard, he likes to learn, he is a technical player with a good view of the game and I’m really happy to have him in the team this season and for the longer term.
“Offensively, he’s a strong player who can cross the ball well and he has that cleverness in the game and in the moment, a quality that’s not in every player.
“He’s one of the experienced players in our team and what you like to have in your team is a balance in ages in the group.”
Gareth Barry signs one-year extension
The deal means Everton’s stalwart will be a Toffee until June 2018. Barry is a consummate professional and shows consistently how important being a Toffee is. The ageless, indefatigable Englishman has made 609 Premier League appearances. Only Ryan Giggs, who has made 632 appearances, has more than Everton’s lynchpin.
There is no doubt, barring injury or monumental setback, that Barry will smash Giggs’ all-time appearance record. It’s a feat Barry, once accomplished, will be incredibly proud of. It shows the kind of character Barry has, while also exemplifying how fit, determined and dedicated a footballer he is.
It’s a record made even more impressive by the rough-and-tumble, unforgiving nature Barry plays with every time he takes to the pitch.
Koeman added what he thinks of Barry’s new deal.
“Like Leighton, Gareth Barry is a clever player on the pitch. Only Ryan Giggs has played more games in the Premier League and let’s hope he will smash every record. He’s a quiet person but a strong character. He knows what he can and can’t do.
“He is a key player for the team. Of course, sometimes you need to protect older players, with all due respect. Gareth is 35 but he is still so important for the team and I’m very happy he has extended his contract.”
Holgate signs extension through 2021
Holgate has left little doubt about his future, as the 20-year-old has signed a deal to keep him at Goodison until June 2021. He made his Premier League début in the 1-1 draw against Spurs on opening day and impressed in his appearance off the bench against Manchester United.
His versatility is massive benefit for Koeman and the club, as he can play in the heart of defense or on the wing. Holgate is also flexible enough to shift into midfield is his manager so desires it. He’s the kind of player a club can build its foundation around.
Next: Everton battling West Ham to sign Callum Wilson
Here’s what Koeman had to say about Holgate putting pen to pad on the new deal:
“Mason is one of the big talents at the Club. Of course, he started playing this season and did a great job. He can play out of different positions in the team defensively. He was really comfortable when he got his chance in the team.
“He showed strengths with the football and strengths in defending. He’s the future for the Club and other young players like him.”