According to Corriere Dello Sport, Rafa Benitez sees Ben Godfrey as a leader at Everton, despite the defender’s youthfulness.
What’s the story?
Well, Godfrey may only be 23, and may only have had one full campaign as an Everton player, but Benitez clearly admires him.
Corriere Dello Sport believe the Spaniard considers him as an ‘added director’ around Finch Farm, and also one of the ‘secrets’ of Everton.
That comes as no surprise to us, even if he’s only played 61 minutes of football under Benitez this season.
Yes, Godfrey may still be a young man, but he defies his years in football.
The £25m signing from Norwich started 31 Premier League games last season under Carlo Ancelotti, which speaks volumes.
Godfrey won Everton’s Men’s Young Player of the Season for his efforts last term, and clearly has a bright future waiting for him under Benitez.
Everton have a gem in Ben Godfrey
We can’t stress enough how good a signing Godfrey was.
You only have to look at Ben White joining Arsenal for £50m after one Premier League season to see the value of young, English centre-backs.
Should Godfrey enjoy another successful campaign at Goodison Park this season, he’ll surely be worth that same amount, if not more.
We’re quite surprised that no other club seriously challenged the Toffees for his signature, in truth.
Now, with two caps for England under his belt, and also the trust of Benitez, we see no reason why Godfrey can’t become one of the Premier League’s best.
Marcel Brands, take a bow.
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