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Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that he’s been “surprised” by Ben Godfrey this season.

The Toffees signed the English defender in the summer from Norwich City, who were relegated to the Championship last season.

Godfrey, who earns £77,000-a-week (Spotrac), was thrown straight in at the deep at Goodison Park after injuries in the first team.

But the 23-year-old has risen to the task exceptionally well, becoming a vital player for the Merseyside club.

He’s a centre-back by trade and his long-term future is surely in the heart of defence, but he’s shown incredible versatility to drop in at both full-back positions at various parts of the season.

Italian boss Ancelotti has confessed that he didn’t know much about Godfrey before his Everton arrival.

“He has surprised me because I didn’t know him so well [when he signed]. He was a signing from the club, from our scouts, and he has been really good. He has been able to adapt very quickly to different positions,” Ancelotti said, as quoted by the Guardian.

TBR’s View:

In a season where Everton have had so many success stories so far, Godfrey’s individual performances should be mentioned as one of the best.

He’s massively exceeded expectations for the Toffees so far and it looks like he’s a shrewd piece of transfer business, as many expected him to take some time to really settle on Merseyside.

The powerhouse defender has all the traits of a top centre-half with his strength, pace and reading of the game.