Holgate: Everton has improved significantly under Ancelotti

Experienced Italian tactician Ancelotti was appointed new Blues boss in December, replacing Marco Silva at Goodison Park.

The arrival of the former AC Milan, Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Chelsea chief was seen as a major statement of intent from the club at the time and he will be determined to help the Toffees compete for the European places in the Premier League again over the course of his reign.

Holgate, who committed his long-term future to the club at the start of the month when he signed a new five-year deal, believes Ancelotti has already been able to improve his own game and is looking forward to what’s in store under him.

Holgate said: "There's things he's told me which are making the game easier for me. He has helped me massively and the team has improved massively under him"