Ben Godfrey calls Everton teammate Ashley Young ‘freak’ in official interview
By Jonathan Burnett
Ben Godfrey was once touted as one of England’s best young defenders – but he’s seldom been seen this season as part of Everton’s embattled Premier League rearguard.
The now 26-year-old made just his fourth Premier League start of the season in the Toffees’ 2-0 defeat to Manchester City last time out, having been kept out of the side by a combination of injuries and the breakthrough form of youngster Jarrod Branthwaite.
Now back in the fold and firmly in the fight for a regular place in Sean Dyche’s starting XI, Godfrey has credited his relationship with Everton’s more experienced players – both old and new – in helping him come to terms with long spells out of the side.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the twice-capped England defender said of 38-year-old summer arrival Ashley Young; “Youngy is someone I like to spend a lot of time with, he’s so knowledgeable and a top guy.
“Me and Seamus [Coleman] were having this conversation.
“When Youngy plays, it’s ridiculous to think that he’s 38 years old. He makes everything look so easy and looks like he could go for years. In the nicest way possible, he’s a freak!”
Godfrey could prove decisive at Everton get ready for future-defining run-in
Plenty has been thrown at Everton this season, being hit with a 10-point deduction for financial fair play irregularities and having another similar punishment hanging over their heads.
However, the rallying cries of Dyche from the touchline and consistent performances from players like Young – who has featured much more often than most fans were expecting – have prevented the Toffees from slipping further down the league table.
At the time of writing, Everton sit third-bottom, just one point behind 17th-placed Luton. The points deduction was soon followed up by a four-match winning streak, but Dyche’s side haven’t won any of the seven games since, drawing three in a row prior to their 2-0 loss at City.
Winger-turned-full-back Young is far from the only old head at Goodison Park, with club captain Coleman also well into his mid-thirties.
Godfrey’s return to the team is yet to coincide with a real uptick in form, but having bided his time and learnt from veterans such as Young and Coleman, you wouldn’t be surprised to see the defender become a key figure in Dyche’s defensive setup as the Toffees fight tooth-and-nail to preserve their Premier League status.
In other Everton news, Phil Jagielka has made a “massive” claim with regards to exit-linked defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
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