---
title: "‘Future Captain’: Football Fans Praise Centre-back set for New Role"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/future-captain-football-fans-praise-centre-back-set-for-new-role/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Jones"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2020-10-23T09:00:01Z"
modified: "2020-10-23T09:00:01Z"
---

# ‘Future Captain’: Football Fans Praise Centre-back set for New Role

Everton summer signing Ben Godfrey has been widely praised by fans following his comments to the [official club website](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1869779/godfrey-on-gaining-everton-football-education).

Godfrey is in line to make his full debut for the Toffees this weekend after a key defender was confirmed to be side-lined with an [unknown return date](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/seamus-coleman-everton-injury-news-19142941).

Irish international right-back Seamus Coleman was forced off the pitch in a [2-2 draw](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnVQVpH1MXk) with Merseyside rivals Liverpool in a heated weekend clash, with former Norwich centre-back Godfrey filling in for Coleman’s forced absence.

Godfrey is unaccustomed to featuring in that role, predominantly featuring in the heart of defence during his Norwich career.

As a result of the injury, the England youth international will likely cover for Seamus Coleman, who is a major doubt for the trip to Southampton.

Club captain Coleman potentially could be out for a significant period, with Everton [simply saying](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/seamus-coleman-everton-injury-news-19142941) his scheduled return is “unknown”.

Godfrey is consequentially ‘readying himself’ for a full debut this weekend. Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was reportedly left impressed by his debut performance in a position he had not filled since the early days of his professional career. Godfrey spoke to the club about the novelty of playing in a new role:

“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 percent,” Godfrey [told evertonfc.com](https://www.evertonfc.com/news/1869779/godfrey-on-gaining-everton-football-education).

“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.”

He only has [minor professional experience](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/ben-godfrey/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/343475/saison//verein/0/liga/0/wettbewerb//trainer_id/0/pos/5) at right-back. In fact, his experience on the right of defence prior to the derby clash was limited to two matches, the most recent being an EFL Trophy game whilst on loan at Shrewsbury against Yeovil Town in March 2018.

Football fans wasted no time in hailing the former Norwich man for his promising performance in a new role…

> Twitter: @Everton @BenG0dfrey Ben Godfrey defending our right back or defence is lovely beautiful fantastic (@Thescroller1)

> Twitter: @beady69 Top player Ben Godfrey BTW (@JonDunhamNT)

> Twitter: @Everton @BenG0dfrey Future captain (@SteveSgestates)

> Twitter: @Everton @BenG0dfrey He played very good against Liverpool. ![?](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f44f.svg)![?](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f44f.svg)![?](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f44f.svg) (@gdaza28)

> Twitter: @Everton @BenG0dfrey Played well (@Bartholomew53)

> Twitter: @Everton @BenG0dfrey He’ll be sound ![??](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f44f-1f3fb.svg)![??](https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/13.0.0/svg/1f44f-1f3fb.svg) (@HG1878)