Everton defender Mason Holgate is enjoying his football under manager Marco Silva.

The young defender replaced Phil Jagielka at centre-back on the opening day of the campaign following his dismissal and retained his place alongside Michael Keane for the win over Southampton on Saturday afternoon.

Despite missing much of the pre-season campaign through injury, Holgate revealed the manager kept him informed tactically.

“Luckily for me I was kept quite in the loop with how he wants things," the former Barnsley man said. “Even though I wasn't out there myself I still knew what he wanted from me.

“I think these last two games have let me get my head around it. As a back four and as a team we're showing signs of improvement under him.

“We're playing quite a high-line and on the ball we've been told to play out the back when we can. That suits me. I like playing out with the ball so that's good for me.

“There's competition for places in every position now so it keeps everyone on their toes. There's someone to take your place in every position if you don't perform so it keeps you on top of your game."