Ben Godfrey reacts to Everton debut on Instagram; Rio Ferdinand replies

Add as preferred source on Google

Having initially been named on the Everton bench by Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday, Ben Godfrey certainly would not have expected his first Merseyside derby experience would last more than an hour.

But an early injury to Seamus Coleman saw the Toffees turn to their £25 million signing (fee reported by BBC Sport).

And the very early signs suggest that Everton have signed a player who could definitely live up to that sort of fee in the coming years.

Godfrey produced an impressive display after coming on. As shown by Whoscored.com, he won all three aerial duels he contested. Only three players across the two teams won more.

The 22-year-old also managed to make three clearances, and two successful dribbles. James Rodriguez was the only Everton to better that tally.

There was also a crucial block to deny Mo Salah.

It certainly seemed to be the kind of performance that Godfrey can be proud of. And it may have been a display that Ancelotti keeps in the back of his mind should he consider any changes at the heart of his defence moving forward.

Understandably, Godfrey wanted to take to social media following the game to express his delight at being involved in the 2-2 draw.

Here is Godfrey’s post…

And amongst the host of replies was a message from Rio Ferdinand. Godfrey has previously alluded to how the former England captain has acted as something of a mentor for him (via Pink Un).

On this occasion however, Ferdinand simply had two words for the youngster following Saturday’s display…