Mason Holgate

[RFUS]

And bloody hell, thought he was still under 6 foot. The only negative I'd noted was his height so now he's massive he's got all the physical tools to match his defensive aptitude.

Seems a good lad too. Mind you, so did Stones (still think he is like), but the media and the money can turn anyone into a Ted.

 

[toffeeblue9]

I am absolutely convinced this lad is going to be a far better player than Stones. Looks far more assured already plus he can head a ball, which is handy for a centre back.

Holgate looks a good prospect, but I'm convinced Stones will be a big star - that doesn't change just because we sold him or because Martinez made our defenders all look terrible.

I'd like to see Holgate play and excel at Premier League level for a few games before I start making predictions about him being better than the best defensive prospect I've seen in this country since Rio Ferdinand.

 

[sageyefc]

Holgate looks a good prospect, but I'm convinced Stones will be a big star - that doesn't change just because we sold him or because Martinez made our defenders all look terrible.

I'd like to see Holgate play and excel at Premier League level for a few games before I start making predictions about him being better than the best defensive prospect I've seen in this country since Rio Ferdinand.

Best defensive prospect that can't defend

 

[granter79]

Will play RB tmrw if Coleman is out? Like to see him given minutes this season after few games in pre season.

 

[mill]

Holgate looks a good prospect, but I'm convinced Stones will be a big star - that doesn't change just because we sold him or because Martinez made our defenders all look terrible.

I'd like to see Holgate play and excel at Premier League level for a few games before I start making predictions about him being better than the best defensive prospect I've seen in this country since Rio Ferdinand.

I hate the Ferdinand comparisons. He is nowhere near where Ferdinand was. Nowhere near.

 

[Bilko]

I really hope we don't waste this great batch of young players

It's honestly the best we've had in years

bang on, never mind trying to spend millions on greedy foreign players, bring our youth through first, give them a shot at this level.hoping RK is of the same mindset. Holgate looks well able to cement a place in the team.

 

[toffeeblue9]

I hate the Ferdinand comparisons. He is nowhere near where Ferdinand was. Nowhere near.

I respectfully disagree

Ferdinand had exactly the same issues Stones has had when he was young

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

Batch though?

Wool

Don't get a Cob on lad

 

[ijjysmith]

Don't get a Cob on lad

You're barmy you mate.

 

[Mikey_Fitzgerald]

You're barmy you mate.

I think I'm on quite a roll actually

 

[chippy1722]

I hate the Ferdinand comparisons. He is nowhere near where Ferdinand was. Nowhere near.

At the same age he is ahead of what Rio was.

 

[sageyefc]

At the same age he is ahead of what Rio was.

Doesn't have the aggression or defensive side Rio did

 

[Nil Satis Niasse Optimum]

I respectfully disagree

Ferdinand had exactly the same issues Stones has had when he was young

Acne, lack of self esteem, perhaps even bullying in high school?

 

[BlueToff]

I respectfully disagree

Ferdinand had exactly the same issues Stones has had when he was young

probably why Rio has been one of Stones' most ardent supporters in the media

 

[EFC78]

Holgate looks a good prospect, but I'm convinced Stones will be a big star - that doesn't change just because we sold him or because Martinez made our defenders all look terrible.

I'd like to see Holgate play and excel at Premier League level for a few games before I start making predictions about him being better than the best defensive prospect I've seen in this country since Rio Ferdinand.

I agree and disagree with you there. Claiming Holgate is a star already seems far too premature and very deluded in my opinion.

However, people went over the top about Stones as a prospect. He is arguably the best 'ball playing' defensive prospect since Rio Ferdinand but he's no where near competent enough in terms of overall defending. I'd say Tony Hibbert was a far better defender at his age than Stones is.

Stones has massive flaws in the defensive side of his game. He switches off too easily, he isn't alert to danger, he allows players to run at him in dangerous positions, he doesn't use his height well enough to win defensive headers. That's before you even mention the risks he takes in front of goal.

On the ball he is already one of the best in the world at the back, and his last ditch tackles are excellent too but he has a lot to do to fulfill the potential a lot have seen of him. I hope he does do well though and if he can concentrate on improving his weaknesses then City will have got themselves a very good player.