Ben Godfrey: Everton’s unsung signing of the season

A colossal Ben Godfrey has been Everton’s unsung signing of the season, and with the delayed Euro’s growing closer, is now the time to break down Gareth Southgate’s door for a late call-up?

Carlo Ancelotti has undoubtedly revitalised Everton since taking over in December 2019, transforming the Toffees from a side four points above the relegation zone, to genuine European contenders.

The Italian’s impressive summer signings saw Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan and James Rodriguez brought in, with each playing a vital role in Everton’s successful season.

However, it was their final summer addition, Ben Godfrey who may well be their unsung signing of the season.

With injuries plaguing Everton’s defence, the natural centre back has faced an unconventional route to becoming a first-team starter.

The £20 million signing from Norwich City has played in every position across the backline, which started on his debut when he was thrown in at the deep end after just 30 minutes and assigned the difficult task of marking Sadio Mane as a right back.

Godfrey’s displays in the famous royal blue jersey saw Evertonians quickly recognise the defender’s talent and ability, but only recently has his performances attracted the attention of the wider media.

Following his impressive recent showing against Manchester United, former Wales manager, Chris Coleman hailed Godfrey whilst on Sky Sports Monday Night Football, saying he is a player who has everything in his locker.

Coleman said: “I watched him since he was 18 playing for York and he was always going to be a player. Unbelievable appetite for football, he moves, he’s got everything.

“You have to have a certain mentality to play for a big club like Everton and he’ll be a very, very good player.”

The 23-year-old has seen himself cover fullback positions, as well as playing in a three at the back, but only in the last few weeks, due to a Yerry Mina injury, has the Yorkshireman returned to his favoured centre back position next to Michael Keane.

The partnership of Keane and Godfrey has been key in Everton’s last two victories, in which Ancelotti’s side have kept back to back league clean sheets for only the second time this season.

Godfrey’s attributes have caused excitement amongst Everton fans. His muscular frame and aggressive nature brings aerial domination, whilst on the ground, the defenders fearless mentality sees his body being put on the line constantly for the Everton cause.

On the ball, his calm nature matched with his confidence to drive forward has added pace to a department Everton have lacked in over recent seasons.

But overall the centre back’s hunger epitomizes ‘Everton Football Club’. Godfrey’s undeniable commitment whilst wearing the shirt along with his passion during on-pitch celebrations has already seen him become a firm fans favourite in a short space of time.

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Godfrey for England

With England’s World Cup Qualifiers only three weeks away, and the Euro’s drawing ever closer, Godfrey’s excellent performances leaves manager Gareth Southgate with a defensive dilemma.

The England manager will have seen the defender, who has captained England U21’s, play comfortably across the backline, including in a three at the back, the system Southgate favours, alongside Keane and Mason Holgate.

Keane’s place in the Three Lions’ Euros squad already looks set, whilst Holgate could offer another defensive option after showing his versatile defensive ability.

Like Holgate, Godfrey, through his agent, New Era Global, is being mentored by former England captain, Rio Ferdinand.

The Everton defender, in an interview with the Liverpool Echo, says the six-time Premier League winner has had a massive help on his career.

“He takes time out of his day to go through our clips and he’ll see things that you can improve on. He doesn’t have to do that, but it’s a massive help,” said Godfrey.

“He was a world-class centre-back himself and he’s got so much knowledge and experience. I really appreciate everything he does for me.”

Godfrey’s rise through football has been nothing short of incredible. From rejections at youth level to his scholarship at York City, the defender has come a long way to becoming the established Premier League player he is.

In what has already been a successful season for the Everton centre back, will Godfrey’s next achievement be an international debut at the end of the month?