Nick Ware

Sat 16 January 2021 16:59, UK

When Ben Godfrey joined Everton from relegated Norwich City in the summer, few would have expected the defender to be a regular fixture on the left hand side of defence.

But that is how it has gone for the 23-year-old of late with the defender having played every minute of Everton’s last 11 games across a variety of positions, marking himself as an integral part of Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

His steady form has contributed to an impressive start to the season for Ancelotti and co with the Blues currently sat fifth in the Premier League, while their defence has shown a marked improvement from the start of the season, with three clean sheets recorded in December.

While he played the majority of last season in the centre of Norwich’s leaky backline Godfrey has proved himself to be a versatile figure in his fledgling career.

Per Transfermarkt, he has played 54 games as a defensive midfielder, a role he undertook to great effect in a loan spell at Shrewsbury in 2017/18.

Lucas Digne is the established left back for the Blues and he is one of the most influential players, if not the most, but Godfrey has stepped up big time in his absence and even during the French international’s Premier League return against Wolves on Tuesday.

Many expected Digne to revert back to his usual role but Ancelotti sprung a surprise at Molineux, playing him further up the pitch in a bid to instil some width and attacking verve to a side shorn of key attackers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.

Digne did his job to great effect by setting up Alex Iwobi early on for the game’s first goal and he was helped by knowing he had the solidity of Godfrey behind him.

Godfrey was not dribbled past a single time on Tuesday which is in direct contrast to Mason Holgate on the other side who was beaten twice, per WhoScored.

He also won two aerial duels as he showed his centre back instincts.

Furthermore, Godfrey showed his ability on the ball going forwards as he was the only Everton defender to complete a dribble (two).

A pass accuracy of 90% shows an element of composure to his game as well and is something that he is clearly working on.

While he has shown himself adept at carrying the ball and driving forward Godfrey is showing there is beauty in simplicity and it is his assuredness on the ball combined with his rugged defensive attitude that will allow Digne to prosper down the left hand side in the absence of Calvert-Lewin.

Richarlison came off the bench against Wolves and will be expected to line up centrally if the England striker is not back for Everton’s next Premier League clash with Leicester City on January 27.

That could mean Digne is required further forwards yet again and Godfrey will almost certainly resume the duties he has taken to with aplomb.

He might be one of the more unheralded figures in this impressive Everton side but do not underestimate his growing importance to the team whichever position he operates in.

In other Everton news, see our exclusive interview with Kevin Campbell on why Richarlison is more important than ever.