Everton defender Mason Holgate says he's managed to improve different aspects of his game this season.

The centre-back has started all-but-one of Carlo Ancelotti's 12 matches in charge.

Holgate told the club's website: "It never used to give me more satisfaction [accomplished defensive work] but since I started at Everton I have worked really hard on that side of my game.

“I always felt I had ability on the ball, it was the defensive side which I needed to improve.

“It is pleasing people are starting to notice that side of my game.

“I see myself as a ball-playing centre-half but with a lot of those types of players, it is easy to say, 'He's good on the ball but can't defend.

“That followed me around in my early years.

“It is something I've worked really hard on, so people couldn't level that at me.

“The first job is defending and you have to nail down that part of your game before you can play.

“I still have loads to learn, you learn from everything that happens on the pitch, and I can improve every part of my game.

“But things are coming together and I have developed as a defender and added more consistency to my game."