Godfrey On Gaining Everton Football Education

Ben Godfrey says his football education is already accelerating with Everton following Saturday's out-of-the-blue Merseyside derby debut and advice from experienced Everton teammates.

England Under-21 international Godfrey arrived from Norwich City this month sounding his intention to glean knowledge from manager Carlo Ancelotti and the senior players who would aid his bid to “kick on to the next level”.

The player also declared himself “ready and raring to go”, in whatever role Ancelotti chose to employ him.

Godfrey added substance to his words with an accomplished display when thrust into the derby draw at right-back following a first-half injury to Seamus Coleman. 

The 22-year-old played the overwhelming majority of his football for Norwich in central defence and was used as a deep-lying midfielder on loan with Shrewsbury Town in 2017/18. 

His experience on the right of defence prior to the weekend was limited to two matches, the most recent an EFL Trophy game for Shrewsbury against Yeovil Town in March 2018.

“Right-back is a bit different but, as I said when I came to the Club, I am ready to play in any position and give it 100 per cent,” Godfrey told evertonfc.com.

“When I saw Seamus go down with an injury, I was gutted for him but ready to do what I could for the lads.


“That is why you are on the bench: to be ready to come on and contribute. It was a massive game and massive occasion.

“It was not always natural in that position but the senior boys talked me through the game.

“I can learn a lot from the players around me.

“As a young player, I will pick up all sorts from the experience of the senior lads and that was the case at the weekend.

“You play football to be involved in massive games.

“It is what you set out to do as a youngster starting in the game.

“I was buzzing when I got the call and couldn’t wait to get out there.”

Godfrey swapped Carrow Road for Goodison on transfer deadline day a fortnight ago, arriving with goalkeeper Robin Olsen to complete a sound summer of recruitment for Everton.

The Club hunted primarily for players capable of slotting straight into Ancelotti’s aspirational team.

And in their acquisition from Norwich, initial evidence suggests Everton have added another ready-made performer to follow in the footsteps of the more established trio of James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure.


Godfrey, who signed a five-year deal, keeping him with the Club until at least June 2025, insists there is enormous scope to refine his game with Everton.

The player began that process only three days after linking up with his new colleagues for the first time following 90 minutes in England's victory over Turkey last week to reach next year's European Under-21 Championship finals group phase.

Godfrey's unfamiliar right-back brief at the weekend demanded he travel upfield with the ball at his feet and add his middleweight boxer’s frame to Everton attacks.

“Getting forward is a bit different for me but I just wanted to give everything to every part of the role,” said Godfrey.

“I’ve not played right-back very often but I wanted to do my best… to have a positive affect on the game and help the lads get three points, or one point minimum.

“Mr Ancelotti is a great manager and it is incredible to have the opportunity to work under him.

“I have always said I am like a sponge, I want to work hard and learn and I will soak up every bit of information I can.”