Kevin Campbell: Rafa Benitez can take Ben Godfrey to the next level
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell believes Everton manager Rafa Benitez can take English centre-back Ben Godfrey to the next level after he missed out on the Euros.
The 23-year-old has admitted he has loved working with the Spaniard so far and is hoping he can help fulfil potential [evertontv].
Godfrey made manager Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional European Championship squad after a brilliant individual campaign with the Toffees but was among the seven that missed out on the final 26-man list.
The versatile Everton defender would be aiming to be at the World Cup next summer, and Campbell reckons Benitez could be perfect for his development.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said: “I think Rafa Benitez is the manager to take Godfrey to the next level. He’s a very good tactician, very good with players, and he’s very good at pointing out what he wants and what he needs.
“I think for young players as well, simplifying their game makes the game a lot easier for them. Because taking on too many information could muddle people up. Manager explaining what he wants and knowing that a player can do it. It means so much.
“Godfrey was close, he was in the initial preliminary Euros squad, and he’s in and around it. You know where he’s going. This England team and squad they are going places and he wants to get better and get in squad.
“A lot of these guys have got the talent, but they need to have the seasons where there is a World Cup coming up so he could get into that condition, as well as having a good club season. He’s definitely got the talent and needs a manager like Benitez.”
Without a doubt
Benitez has produced a lot of world-class defenders during his managerial career, turning Jamie Carragher into a top one while at Liverpool.
The Spaniard knows exactly what to do to make a player better, and would be keen to turn Godfrey into a full-time England international.
Given the quality of defensive options available to Southgate, the Toffees ace needs to do a lot work and be at his best every game next season to be in the World Cup squad.
We trust Benitez to deliver, and turning the former Norwich City man into the next Carragher would be huge.
Godfrey can play at centre-back, right-back and left-back, and his versatility should come as an advantage for both club and country.
He has huge potential no doubt, but that is not enough to become a world-class player.
Fortunately for him, he has a chance to learn from one of the best tacticians and coaches in the game, and stands to benefit a lot should he follow every of Benitez’s instructions and advices.
In other Everton news, Rafa Benitez fires warning at Toffees player after starring role in Florida Cup win.
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