The Rafa Benitez era is underway at Everton, and if recent reports are to be believed, the Spaniard’s first signing as Toffees boss could be a new centre-back.
Indeed, the likes of Ben White, Kalidou Koulibaly and Kurt Zouma have all been linked, and while that is exciting, it does leave questions about what will happen to Everton’s current centre-halves, namely Ben Godfrey.
Godfrey is undoubtedly one of Everton’s best players, the defender earned so many plaudits last season and he established himself as a key player.
However, the former Norwich man couldn’t quite nail down a position last term, being used all across the back four as well as in midfield, and with three top-class centre-backs being linked to Everton this week, it has to be said that he could be in for more of the same this season.
He’s already contending with Michael Keane for a spot at centre-half, and if Koulibaly, Zouma or White come in, there’s going to be a lot of competition in his favourite position.
Godfrey needs to understand what his role will be next season, is he going to be the club’s first-choice centre-back? Or is he once again going to be used as a utility defender who can fill in across the defence wherever necessary.
Neither of those roles are necessarily bad, but at this stage of Godfrey’s budding career he needs stability and focus if he’s going to reach his potential.
Godfrey needs to have a word with Benitez about where he stands within the squad, especially if the Toffees end up signing one of White, Koulibaly or Zouma.
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