Danny Murphy has told talkSPORT that Rafa Benitez is only causing problems for himself by leaving Lucas Digne out of the Everton side and using Ben Godfrey at left-back instead.
Godfrey has opened the Toffees’ last two Premier League games at full-back whilst Benitez left Digne out of his squad. The Frenchman has not played since Liverpool beat the Blues 4-1, in what was his 13th top-flight appearance from a possible 14 so far this season.
Benitez clarified that he left Digne out against Arsenal last week as wanted Everton to ‘have the right mentality’, via the Liverpool Echo, as they bid to end an eight-game winless run.
Godfrey failed to impress Murphy as Everton’s left-back
Godfrey showed his natural centre-back skill with a few big tackles to stop Arsenal charging up their right-wing. He also made a great block to keep Mikel Arteta’s side from scoring and showed great energy levels. But the £20m defender could not repeat his display on Sunday.
The makeshift full-back advanced often against Crystal Palace and made further important tackles. Yet Godfrey regressed after the break and failed to impress Murphy defensively.
“What he’s done with Digne, he’s cut his nose off to spite his face,” Murphy said. “Maybe he’s not playing because he’s questioned him.
“But he’s put Ben Godfrey, who’s a centre-back, at left-back. And he can’t play at left-back, Jordan Ayew destroyed him.”
Should Benitez reinstate Digne over Godfrey?
Godfrey is not inexperienced at playing out of his natural central-half role to feature as a full-back for Everton. Carlo Ancelotti frequently utilised the defender’s versatility last term when without Digne, while Benitez has also used him as cover for Seamus Coleman.
Benitez did not see the best of Godfrey at right-back as he was still overcoming the long-term effects of Covid-19. He also did not see him at his best on the left at Crystal Palace.
Godfrey will need to sure up his defensive performance when Everton visit Chelsea on Thursday if Benitez again overlooks Digne. Only Liverpool (45) have scored more often than the Blues (38) have in the Premier League so far this season.
Chelsea also favour attacking on the right (39% preference) than the left (35%) or centrally (26%), per WhoScored. Only Wolves (40%) and Liverpool (40%) prefer the right-wing more.
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