Mason Holgate: Keep
A lot of Everton fans would want to see Mason Holgate out of the club based on last season’s performances. Back in 2019-20 season, the former Barnsley man put in a devoted shift and emerged as a trustworthy option in the backline. Following a strong 2019-20 season, it was anticipated that Holgate would stamp his authority as one of the best defenders at Everton but it turned out to be quite the opposite. Holgate was one of the most underperforming stars last season.
Partly that was due to playing at right back where the Englishman wasn’t completely comfortable. However, he didn’t seem very confident and defensively sound playing in his usual position either. If Mina is to be sold, it’s likely that Holgate will stay and at 24 he has time on his side to mend certain aspects of his game.
Jarrad Branthwaite: Loan
Jarrad Branthwaite constitutes as the fifth centre back in the Everton roster. The former Carlisle defender has shown promising signs in his early years. Realistically, Branthwaite making regular first team appearances seems a bit farfetched at the moment given that the central defence is well stocked at the moment.
In order to gain regular playing minutes, Branthwaite may eye another loan move. The 19 year old spent the second half of the 2020-21 season on loan at Blackburn Rovers but didn’t have a memorable spell. Loaning him to another club, potentially a Premier League club, will allow Branthwaite to gain more PL experience and keep his development on track.
Lucas Digne: Keep
Lucas Digne is easily one of the best left backs in the Premier League and he has repeatedly out-shined his competitors. Signing Digne from Barcelona is one of the best transfers for the Toffees since the onset of the Farhad Moshiri era. When taken his contributions, work ethic and importance to the team into perspective, Digne is probably a better signing than James Rodriguez on a free transfer.
The Frenchman provided 7 assists, only behind Aaron Cresswell who registered most assists as a defender last season. He is an integral part of the club and a leader in the team. For a high functioning full back like Digne, interest from other clubs is ubiquitous but he has shown commitment and unquestionable loyalty by renewing with the club last season until 2025.
Niels Nkounkou: Keep
Last season, Digne did suffer an ankle injury putting him out for a month and half. Carlo Ancelotti counted Niels Nkounkou as too young and inexperienced to start games which saw Ben Godfrey and Alex Iwobi slot as a makeshift left back.
However, not utilizing Nkounkou would be a big mistake this season. The 20 year old should act as a backup to Digne for this season and get few starting chances in the Cup games. The Merseysiders are unlikely to go into the transfer market to sign a new left back to deputize for Digne.