Pundit shares why he feels sorry for Everton defender Ben Godfrey after Burnley win

Michael Ball has admitted that he feels sorry for Everton defender Ben Godfrey as he started in the 2-0 win against Burnley on 16 December.

The former Toffees player told the Liverpool Echo that his versatility is something that may have worked against him.

Also, his injury record has seen him fall down in the pecking order and restricted his minutes on the field of play.

Ball said: “Godfrey is a player I have often felt sorry for as well. It feels like the worst thing he did was perform well at left-back a few years ago.

“As well as suffering a really bad injury, he has probably been too versatile for his own good and, as a result, been unable to nail down a regular starting place.”

Godfrey’s standout performance against Burnley on Saturday was undoubtedly a welcome boost for the versatile defender, especially considering his limited playing time this season and a history of injuries.

Having played only one Premier League minute before the Burnley clash, the England international showcased resilience and determination, proving that he remains a valuable asset to the team.

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The centre-backs ability to seamlessly step into the starting lineup and deliver a solid performance speaks volumes about his professionalism and readiness to contribute when called upon.

The fact that he played a crucial role in preventing a near-certain goal demonstrates not only his defensive prowess but also his acute understanding of the game.

For a player who has faced the challenge of injuries and positional versatility, this performance is a testament to Godfrey’s mental strength and adaptability.

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Many thought it would be either him or Michael Keane, but Dyche opted to start with both of them along with James Tarkowski and that worked out well.