Everton’s 3-1 defeat against Manchester City provided one minor consolation which was gladly lapped up by many Toffees fans – and with good reason.
The performance of Ben Godfrey, operating again at left-back in order for Lucas Digne to play in a more advanced capacity, proved to be a crumb of comfort for the defeated Merseysiders.
Digne, who did virtually all of the work in the build-up to Richarlison’s equaliser, was offered the freedom to run forward, with the defensive assurances offered by Godfrey. The 22-year-old won three of his four duels and misplaced just three of his 21 passes, as well as making four clearances and winnign two tackles (Sofascore).
Godfrey has a higher average WhoScored rating for his performances at left-back than in his preferred centre-back role, with the long-term data indicating that he seems to suit a dynamic full-back role quite well.
Having barely featured at left-back in his career prior to his move to Goodison Park, the £22.5m-rated defender’s display against Manchester City only proved further that there is a tactical rationale for deploying him there.
That was not lost on many Everton fans who felt that three goals were conceded despite Godfrey, not because of him, and these Toffees took to Twitter to show their appreciation for his efforts last night:
Twitter: @ToffeeTVEFC Godfrey played 4 different positions and not once let Mahrez go on his left foot. He is a £100m defender in the making. (@imcgov)
Twitter: We lose the game regardless of their third goal, they’d have scored another anyway. Felt we’ve played much better t… https://t.co/bk7u9hxjBT (@JamesBrownEFC)
Twitter: Ben Godfrey doesn’t get talked about enough, serious baller
@Everton @BenG0dfrey https://t.co/NNm3i4CwBl (@karljeff8)
