In the summer of 2015, Everton and Liverpool both brought talented young defenders to Merseyside from the Football League.
Firstly, Liverpool beat off plenty of competition for Charlton Athletic defender Joe Gomez. As reported by the Daily Mail, Everton were also very keen on the player. However, it was the Reds that managed to sign him, in a deal reportedly worth £3.5 million.
Instead, in August, Everton snapped up Mason Holgate for the lesser fee of £2 million.
The comparisons between the pair are clear to see. Both strong, fast and intelligent defenders capable of playing both at right-back and centre-back. It appeared Everton and Liverpool had secured two future stars.
However, it is now clear that Liverpool got the better player.
Gomez has thrived in recent months and is now regular for both club and country. Holgate, on the other hand, has just been told he can leave Everton on loan in January.
The Liverpool defender has continued to grow at Melwood whilst Holgate appears to have stood still for a couple of seasons now. The manager upheaval at Everton has certainly not helped matters but Holgate is now way down the pecking order at Goodison Park.
If only they had got their hands on Gomez instead.