Godfrey On Why Evertonians Have Been Key To Top Form

Ben Godfrey says the ”unbelievable” support he has been given by Everton fans and the Club, combined with playing alongside “serious quality” in the Blues squad, has helped him make an exceptional start to his Toffees career.

Godfrey was voted man of the match by Evertonians after a dominant defensive performance in the Blues’ impressive 2-1 victory at Leeds United on Wednesday night.

The 23-year-old‘s power, bravery and tactical awareness were all on show as the Blues triumphed against Marcelo Bielsa’s talented, high-energy Leeds outfit.  

Godfrey completed seven clearances during the game – second only to centre-back partner Yerry Mina (11) – and made two key interceptions.

His display also earned glowing praise from boss Carlo Ancelotti, who described the England Under-21 international as “fast, intelligent and strong”.

Godfrey, who joined the Blues from Norwich City in October, explained how the backing he has been given from the Club’s coaching staff, his teammates and Evertonians have been key factors in his outstanding form.

“I’ve said it since day one, I’ve been welcomed into the Club with open arms,” he told evertontv. 

“It’s been absolutely unbelievable. Thank you to all the people who voted me man of the match. 

“For any player, leaving a club and joining a new one, it can be hard and sometimes takes a little bit of time to settle in. 

“But that’s not been the case, I’ve been welcomed in and that’s credit to the boys as well as the fans, and the Club as a whole.”


Godfrey says the strong reserves of talent within the squad are driving each player on as they seek to secure a spot in boss Ancelotti’s starting XI – and outlined how he is learning from his Everton defensive colleagues.

Wednesday’s clash saw the England international given the chance to perform in his preferred centre-back position, having excelled in all positions across the defence since his arrival at Goodison Park.

“We’ve got depth in the squad and some serious quality,” he said.

“I’ll do what I need to do, I’ll play anywhere. But it’s good to be back in my so-called natural position. 

“I enjoyed playing next to Yerry. We had to soak up some pressure at times and stick together but I really enjoyed it.


“For me, as someone who is new into the Club, it’s good to learn from some of these boys. They have played at the very top and I am trying to do exactly the same. 

“Learning alongside them is great and I’m enjoying being a part of this team.”

Everton’s victory at Leeds was the Blues’ seventh in 11 Premier League matches away from home this season. Only Manchester United and Leicester City have won more points on their travels this term.

Next up for Everton is a clash with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United at Old Trafford on Saturday (8pm GMT) and Godfrey says the Toffees will need to show the same fighting spirit and determination shown against Leeds.

“We knew Leeds were going to make it intense and make it a bit like a basketball game, up and down,” he added. 

“We stuck together and we had to grind it out at times. 

“You’ve got to do the nasty bits as well when you come away from home, and you’ve got to be clinical. 

“We’ve done that. It shows the character we’ve got. The lads are buzzing and it’s an important three points.

“We can take confidence from it and we go again at the weekend.

“It’s another massive game and they are coming thick and fast. Consistency is key. 

“We’ve got to keep digging in and hopefully there are many more good results to come.”

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03:43 Wed 03 Feb 2021

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