How Ferdinand is giving Everton’s ‘ Cafu’ an extra edge 11/ 1

MASON HOLGATE has a new nickname around Everton’s training ground.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has started calling him after a Brazil great following his displays at right- back in the absence of Seamus Coleman against Chelsea and Leicester.

“The last week he has been calling me ‘ Cafu’,” said Holgate. “I don’t think he believes it, but he came into the changing room and he heard Keano [ Michael Keane] say it and then he’s gone with it.”

Holgate will wait to see if he retains his place, with Coleman back to fitness after a hamstring injury, for today’s visit of Arsenal.

There is no doubting, though, his long- term ambitions are at centre- back and Ancelotti has been helping him develop in that role.

While his comparison to his former AC Milan star Cafu is in jest, Ancelotti has been giving Holgate advice from his experiences with other world- class defenders. Holgate also has the ear of former Manchester United centre- back Rio Ferdinand, an ambassador for New Era Global Sports Management who represent the Everton defender.

“I speak to him a lot,” said Holgate. “He helps me out with my game. He’s one of the greatest defenders in the Premier League ever, so to have that and his view on things from that perspective is massive.

“After games he will send me a message and give me BRAZILIANT: Holgate has caught the eye tips on my positioning and how I’m playing. That is only going to help me.” Holgate has had some success at the other end of the pitch too, after scoring his first Premier League goal last week against Leicester. “It was shock and excitement, to be fair,” he said of his reaction to scoring. “It’s not something I’m used to. The lads were laughing in the dressing room.“That 2- 0 win put the Toffees up to fifth. Holgate added: “There is a real air of excitement about the club.”