Rio Ferdinand heaped praise on the ‘absolutely outstanding’ Everton defender Ben Godfrey and how he pocketed Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, as he told his YouTube channel.
Whilst Godfrey is a centre-back by trade, he has been used at fullback in recent times by manager Carlo Ancelotti and he has impressed Ferdinand, including during their recent win against Arsenal.
In a few hours time, the 22-year-old is set to be in action once again as the Toffees hope to progress through to the League Cup semi-finals, but a certain Manchester United stand in their way.
Nonetheless, Ferdinand lauded Godfrey and the pace he has shown from the back, as he also mentioned how their energetic battery Allan is going to be a ‘massive miss’ for them.
“Ben Godfrey, who has been absolutely outstanding,” said Ferdinand. “The pace he has been showing the last couple of games, especially against Timo Werner against Chelsea.
“Against Arsenal as well. You look at the pace of the kid. Pepe £72 million worth. I am sure Mr Godfrey will be looking in his pocket thinking where is he. Is there someone causing me a bit of friction in my pocket? He was fantastic.
“Allan’s a huge miss. Let’s not underplay that. Allan has been a fantastic signing and he’s a massive miss. He’s going to be out for a while with a hamstring injury, which I am hearing. That’s disappointing.”
Carlo Ancelotti has made some impact on Merseyside and given the way things are going for Everton, it does look likely that a European finish could be on the cards.
But before all that, it’s a trophy Everton want to add to their cabinet and today’s League Cup tie is crucial in them moving closer to that mark.
Ancelotti has had a trophy-laden career, and whilst he has achieved greater things outside of Everton, if he can push them over that line then it would be some achievement.
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