Sean Dyche proven wrong with Ben Godfrey decision as Everton replacement shines
The right-back position has been one of great concern at Everton over the last couple of seasons, with Sean Dyche testing several players in the starting XI.
Ben Godfrey has been the most recent experiment on the right flank, having been given the nod in the Toffees’ last three fixtures against Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham.
However, Dyche’s choice of Godfrey at right-back against the current Premier League champions on Saturday (10 February) was certainly a wrong one after being substituted off just before the hour-mark.
Up against Jeremy Doku, one of Pep Guardiola’s trickiest wingers, the 26-year-old’s inability in the position was evident as he won 0 per cent of his tackles, won just 40 per cent of his ground duels and was dribbled past three times. [FotMob]
He also managed just a 44 per cent pass completion, adding more danger and difficulty for Dyche’s team to have to deal with.
Having been replaced by Seamus Coleman, it was clear who should have started the game, with the Everton veteran looking much more comfortable against the likes of Doku, Phil Foden, Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland.
Seamus Coleman the right decision for Everton
The difference between Godfrey and Coleman was night and day. While the 26-year-old looked scared of his opposition, the latter took all his prior experience and made the position his own.
Coleman, at the age of 35, has only made two Premier League starts this season, with an injury keeping him out for much of the season. But he has returned from injury and should have started against Man City.
In comparison to the starting right-back, Coleman managed to maintain a much more respectable 64 per cent pass completion. He also won 100 per cent of his tackles, coming up against Doku too. [FotMob]
Despite the same percentage (40) of ground duels won, Coleman was only dribbled past once throughout his 34-minute cameo. Considering his age and lack of speed, it just goes to show how important experience is against a team such as Man City.
With Crystal Palace up next for the Toffees, Coleman should be given a chance to lead his team to their first league victory since a 2-0 win over Burnley in December.
In other Everton news, TNT Sports blatantly disrespected the club ahead of the game v Man City.
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