Everton defender Ben Godfrey has shared his experience of working with Sean Dyche, stating that the healthy competition for positions is maintaining high standards during training.
Godfrey was selected to start in a game for the first time under the new coach in a match against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday. Despite Everton leading the game twice, they ended up drawing 2-2.
Godfrey, who had suffered a fractured fibula and damaged ankle ligaments in less than ten minutes into the first match of the season against Chelsea in August, got his chance to start after Vitalii Mykolenko was unable to play due to illness.
With six centre-backs to choose from, including Godfrey, who can also play at right or left-back, the England under-21 international reveals that all defensive players in Dyche’s team are eager to get a chance to play.
Godfrey spoke to Evertontv: “I enjoyed it [returning to the starting XI]. I always enjoy being on the pitch trying to help the boys,”.
“It’s a shame we didn’t get the three points but it’s always enjoyable being out there playing for this club. There’s healthy competition.
“We have got some good players in the defensive line that are all eager to get on the pitch. It’s important we have that competition each and every day.
“It keeps your standards high in training. There are good characters and quality, which is important.”
He then reacted to 2-2 draw: “We always go into every game trying to get three points. If you don’t win, then you need to not lose it and pick up a point.
“It’s always disappointing when you lose the lead, we have done that twice. But a point away from home is always a bonus. We learn from it and go again.”