View: 12 recoveries – Godfrey produces colossal defensive display in Everton v Man City
Ben Godfrey’s performance in Everton v Manchester City showed just how unfortunate he was to miss out on an England call-up this week.
Gareth Southgate unveiled his Three Lions squad on Thursday for their March triple-header but Godfrey was nowhere to be seen as he was selected for the U21s instead but we think an upgrade could be on the cards soon.
Despite the Blues losing 2-0 in the FA Cup quarter-finals Godfrey played well up against the likes of Raheem Sterling and could barely be faulted.
No wonder former Blues striker and current Match of the Day host Gary Lineker was quick to praise the 23-year-old on his personal Twitter profile during Saturday’s clash. He said: “Don’t want to jinx him in this game but Ben Godfrey gets better every game I watch him play.”
According to Wyscout Godfrey made 12 recoveries against Manchester City, a figure he has only beaten twice before, and they were against lowly Premier League sides Burnley and West Brom. Three of these recoveries came in the City half as he showed his tenacity to regain possession all over the pitch.
He was involved in a mammoth 23 duels and won 57% of them.
More impressively, though, he was successful with 82% of his defensive duels [9/11] – the only game he has outperformed this was v Leicester City [January 27] and his 100% completion rate came from just five attempts.
Remarkably he has only made two fouls in his last nine games showing he does not even need to revert to the dark arts to stop opponents.
It doesn’t matter where Godfrey plays, he delivers.
He has been utilised in both full-back positions as well as in the centre of defence and alongside Mason Holgate he flanked Yerry Mina in a back three v Manchester City at Goodison Park.
With his ball-playing abilities and rapid speed this is the perfect formation for him to showcase his abilities.
If he keeps this form up surely he cannot continued to be ignored by Southgate and the senior team.
In other Everton news, our view on why Michael Keane should be disappointed by England snub.