‘He is trying’: £77k-a-week Everton star offers honest verdict on events under Benitez

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Ben Godfrey has told BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily podcast how Rafa Benitez is helping him become a smarter defender and not just rely on pace since taking charge at Everton.

Benitez succeeded Carlo Ancelotti at Goodison Park after the Italian left to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid. Some of the senior Everton players have already noticed the increased intensity of training under the Spaniard to last season.

Godfrey is grateful for Benitez’s work with players at Finch Farm to try and take Everton to the next level. The centre-half was one of the Toffees’ standout performers last season, but does not want to rest on his laurels.

“He has taken time for all of us, to be fair, especially us young players like myself,” Godfrey said. “He’s taken a lot of time to try and kick my game on to the next level, and I’m really appreciative of it. He’s got a lot of experience in the game, and I’m just trying to be like a sponge and soak everything I can up from him.

“I’ve got a lot to learn and that’s what I’m doing. I’m working hard to try and develop my game, and he’s taken a lot of time to do that, so it’s good. For me, I’m blessed with athleticism, it’s awful bigging yourself up, but I want to develop my game, so I don’t just rely on speed. I’m a smart defender, as well.

“To develop that side of my game will push me on so much more. He is trying to do that at the minute and ensure I’m not someone who stands in the wrong position and manages to recover because you’re quick enough. I want to be smart as well.”

Godfrey comments great for Everton and Benitez

Godfrey delivered a raft of important performances under Ancelotti at Everton last season that Benitez will hope to match. The former Norwich City enforcer was an assured figure across the Toffees backline, be it at left, right or centre-back.

But there was the odd occasion when the £77,000-per-week defender was culpable of a mistake or looked uncomfortable. Benitez’s defensive mind should help Godfrey iron those issues out and make his second Everton season an even greater success.

It is also great for Benitez and Everton that Godfrey wants to learn from the Spanish coach. He is at Goodison Park, so Godfrey must make the most of it and take in as much as he can.