Martin Keown reacts to Ben Godfrey’s display in Everton draw

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Martin Keown has told BT Sport (broadcast on 5/12 from 11:30) that he was extremely impressed with Ben Godfrey’s performance in Everton’s draw with Burnley on Saturday, as he named the youngster his man of the match.

The Toffees came from behind to secure a point at Turf Moor. But it proved to be another eventful game for Carlo Ancelotti’s men, with Fabian Delph having to come off after just 29 minutes.

It was Godfrey who moved from centre-back out to the left after Delph’s injury. But he went on to produce a very solid performance against the Clarets.

As shown by Whoscored.com, no Everton player won more tackles or aerial duels than the 22-year-old. He also managed two clearances and three interceptions.

And when asked to name his man of the match, Keown felt that the former Norwich City man was the standout performer.

“I’m going to go for Godfrey,” he told BT Sport. “At the back I think he’s done really well. He’s been asked to play a couple of positions today.

“I think he’s been a good acquisition. I like how aggressive he is. And he’s slotted in really nicely at a difficult moment for Everton in this match at left-back.”

The early signs certainly suggest that Everton are going to get their money’s worth from their summer signing. BBC Sport reported that he cost the Toffees £25 million. Spotrac meanwhile, shows that he is earning around £77,000-a-week at Goodison Park.

He has already featured in virtually every role across the backline. And given his age, he should only continue to get better – particularly as he has only been on Merseyside for two months.