WORKING WITH ANCELOTTI’S A GIFT FOR GOD
BEN GODFREY shunned offers from rival clubs to join Everton... because he wanted to work with Carlo Ancelotti.
And the England Under-21 international believes he has already improved tactically since arriving at Goodison thanks to the technical genius of the Everton boss (below).
Godfrey has been a defensive stalwart since his £25million move from Norwich in the summer and his stats suggest he’s a player who has taken major strides.
In his five full Premier League games s in an unfamiliar role at left-back, Everton have conceded only one goal from open play (against West Ham). And the versatile defender believes Ancelotti’s influence is obvious.
“I’m loving working under him and enjoying every second of being an Everton player,” said the York-born 22-year-old.
“The manager has improved me tactically, which was what I needed for my development.
“He knows the game inside out and I am trying to take every little bit I can from him. He is so calm under pressure and simplifies things, so I am trying to take those attributes from him.”
Godfrey has already endeared himself to the Blues faithful with his fully committed style. His aggression has been one of the more eyecatching features in Everton’s recent run of good for form before the s setback a against West Ham at the weekend.
In 10 Premier League appearances he has won 54 duels, made 22 tackles, 22 clearances, and 14 interceptions.
“If the manager sees something that needs working on, he will mention it,” Godfrey said of Ancelotti. “It could be related to decisions you make and passes you should be making.
“The move has worked out perfectly and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”