Everton boss Rafa Benitez has Michael Keane and Yerry Mina at his disposal but, according to the Liverpool Echo, Ben Godfrey is emerging as his number one centre-half as the youngster prepares to face former employers Norwich City on Saturday.
Unfortunately for Benitez and Godfrey, however, it seems the former Norwich captain will once again be denied the chance to play in his favoured position on Saturday.
Seamus Coleman’s injury-enforced absence means the versatile Godfrey was forced to fill in at right-back last time out.
And although the 23-year-old has often struggled on the right-hand flank, torn to pieces by the electrifying Leon Bailey during the 3-0 drubbing at Aston Villa last time out, a paucity of options means Benitez has little choice but to persist with this short-term solution.
Where will Everton man Godfrey play against former club Norwich City on Saturday?
According to the Liverpool Echo, Godfrey is actually Benitez’s first choice centre-half, moving ahead of former Barcelona giant Yerry Mina, £30 million England international Michael Keane and the highly rated Mason Holgate.
Because of a series of fitness problems, however, Godfrey has played just 62 minutes at the heart of Benitez’s back line in the opening five games of the Premier League season.
He was subbed off just after the hour during the 3-1 victory over Burnley too, sacrificed as the former Real Madrid boss shifted from a three-man back line to a traditional back four with the Toffees looking to turn one point into three.
The tactic worked, too, with Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray both finding the net within four minutes of Godfrey’s withdrawal. Meanwhile Andre Gomes, brought on in the defender’s place, provided much-needed energy and composure in the middle of the park.
“When I came in, we had already sent him out on loan to Shrewsbury Town and he was a midfield player,” recalls Norwich boss Daniel Farke ahead of this weekend’s reunion with his former skipper (Eastern Daily Press).
“We got the feeling we would make a centre-back or full-back out of him and, right now, it’s in this role he’s playing and shining a lot.”
It remains to be seen when everyone is fully fit who would lose their place to make room for Godfrey – Keane or Mina?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
