In a recent interview (via The Liverpool Echo), Everton defender Ben Godfrey revealed that he is looking to learn from his senior teammates at Goodison Park when he said, “Every player wants to be in that starting XI but what I do appreciate about this team is that I’ve got great centre backs to learn so much from.
“I have got the chance to be like a sponge and soak up as much information as I can and learn which is important for me as a player.”
Godfrey’s Recent Emergence In English Football
Godfrey came off the bench to put in a matured display as a makeshift right-back in the 2-2 draw versus Liverpool in the Merseyside derby last weekend. Maybe the ex-Norwich City centre-back could get a few more opportunities under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti as the Toffees squad could get stretched due to fixture congestion in the coming months when the games come thick and fast in English football.
The York-born prospect participated in 33 matches for the Canaries in the previous campaign, picking up three yellow cards and one red card in various competitions. The 22-year-old did well to average 0.7 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 4.9 clearances and 1.2 blocks per game in the Premier League last season.
Godfrey even distributed possession relatively well when playing the ball out from the back after completing 87.9% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored). However, his impressive contributions in defence were not enough for the Norfolk outfit to avoid relegation from the English top-flight.
What Does The English Youngster Offer On The Pitch?
Standing at 1.86m, Godfrey can be an intimidating presence at the centre of the defence and is proficient at using his strength to outmuscle the opposition so that he can win the ball back for his side. The promising centre-half can sniff out the danger quickly and is not afraid to clear his lines when under pressure at the back.
However, the English defensive ace has to be more consistent with his performances if he intends to become a regular starter at Merseyside someday. For now, he could serve as a valuable squad player as Ancelotti is likely to use him in the domestic cup competitions.
Does Godfrey Have A Bright Future At Goodison Park?
The form of Michael Keane and Yerry Mina will probably keep Godfrey out of the Everton first-team. However, he has what it takes to give his senior teammates a run for their money in the race to secure regular first-team football under Ancelotti’s stewardship.
Godfrey is a versatile defender who could potentially become a household name in English football in the years to come. Ancelotti could be the ideal man to nurture him into a top defender, so there is no doubt that he has a very bright future at the blue half of Merseyside.
