Elliott Cuff

Sat 27 March 2021 10:53, UK

Everton defender Ben Godfrey posted season-best aerial duel figures for England Under-21s on Thursday as the Young Lions lost to Switzerland.

The 23-year old was one of two Everton players to start for Aidy Boothroyd’s team in England’s Euro 2021 group stage clash, with midfielder Tom Davies also selected to start.

Godfrey played the duration on the right side of a three-man defensive backline, with former Norwich teammate and reported Everton target Max Aarons to the side of him.

Despite England’s loss to the Swiss, Godfrey put in a towering defensive display at the back, setting a new personal season-high aerial record.

According to stats gathered by WyScout the versatile defender contested 11 aerial duels against Switzerland, the most he’s managed in any match throughout the 2020/21 season, while he also set a season-best with seven of them proving successful.

Godfrey’s defensive performance wasn’t perfect though, with the defender suffering 16 losses for England (his highest all season) while he also only managed two interceptions, his lowest since Everton lost to West Ham on New Year’s Day.

Godfrey has come on leaps and bounds for Everton this season, but what perhaps remains his strongest asset is his versatility and his ability to adapt to whichever role is required of him.

The York City academy product has primarily played as either a left-back or a left-sided centre-back this season, but he has also shown remarkable ability in being able to easily adapt to playing as a right full-back or in a holding midfield role.

Carlo Ancelotti will undoubtedly be delighted by his progress this season, particularly as he looks to build an Everton side for the long-term, with Godfrey being someone who can occupy the heart of defence for a good long while.

In other Everton news, Dutch legend Ruud Gullit has blamed Everton for mishandling Davy Klaassen during his time at the club.