Ben Godfrey

[duncanmckenzieismagic 5,071]

https://sportslens.com/report-everton-keen-on-norwich-city-centre-back-and-tottenham-hotspur-target-ben-godfrey/316016/

[Aidan 2,143]

Meant to have a lot of potential however I can't recall seeing him play. 

[markjazzbassist 2,955]

was he playing regularly for them?  because they were getting blitzed week in and out, how can he be so good?

[Vranny 188]

38 minutes ago, markjazzbassist said:

was he playing regularly for them?  because they were getting blitzed week in and out, how can he be so good?

Because he’s only one of 11 players on the field of that side?
 

Also, it’s not like we haven’t found a bit of quality from relegated teams recently either. McCarthy, Gana and (hopefully) Doucoure all spring to mind. 

[Bailey 4,539]

It won't be easy playing as a centre back in a side like Norwich but when I have seen him I haven't seen anything to suggest he is worth £30 mil.

[London Blue 1,995]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54364885

[FairWooney 122]

interesting one this.

I see Holgate and Keane as our first choice pairing when fit and happy with Mina as backup, clearly we need a 4th centre back but would have expected a loan or a backup type player to come in.

Would be interesting to see who Carlo would see as his first choice after signing Godfrey.

I felt Holgate really came on well last season and is also very good on the ball so would like to see him continue, Keane has improved a lot and has looked a lot more dependable.  Mina has been ok though I still wouldn't be happy if he was long term first choice.

With 30 premiership games last season he's not majorly inexperienced but I'd image would have to fight to get a start initially.

[Drs1972 8]

On 28/09/2020 at 14:16, Vranny said:

Because he’s only one of 11 players on the field of that side?
 

Also, it’s not like we haven’t found a bit of quality from relegated teams recently either. McCarthy, Gana and (hopefully) Doucoure all spring to mind. 

Maybe not from a relegated team but - TINY TIM THE BLUE KANGAROO. As if anyone could have ever predicted how good he would be coming from Millwall. If Godfrey was half Tims quality (but in defence) we'd be onto a winner

[duncanmckenzieismagic 5,071]

Norwich fans don’t seem too disappointed to see him go
 

https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/10/01/take-the-money-and-run-some-fans-react-as-everton-make-bid-for-their-player/

[Aidan 2,143]

It's growing legs this one. 

[Matt 7,606]

30 minutes ago, Aidan said:

It's growing legs this one. 

That’ll be handy for tackling and tracking back! 

[markjazzbassist 2,955]

if this is gonna happen i hope it's for 15m with add ons getting to 25m.  i don't want to pay 25m for this guy.  

[Hafnia 6,287]

23 minutes ago, markjazzbassist said:

if this is gonna happen i hope it's for 15m with add ons getting to 25m.  i don't want to pay 25m for this guy.  

I would rather pay less than more but if he's a £25m player I'm happy to pay £25m - we need quality centre halves in. 

From my research he's a strong, quick centre half who can play from the back.  6ft 0 so he's not tall.

My mate is a big york fan, he said he was in midfield for them at 18 but looks the business as a converted centre half. Norwich stand out player last year.v

[Matt 7,606]

£20m for a young defender with PL experience isn’t that bad. Maybe we can send Besic or someone the other way too. 
 

SSN saying the bid was rejected in any case

[Hafnia 6,287]

Just now, Matt said:

£20m for a young defender with PL experience isn’t that bad. Maybe we can send Besic or someone the other way too. 
 

SSN saying the bid was rejected in any case

Rejected bid.... Hmmm.  Clearly value him higher, not in a position to play hardball I don't think unless they are expecting other clubs to get involved 

Around the top half only spurs or United need centre halves and not sure they would go young. 

[Matt 7,606]

7 minutes ago, Hafnia said:

Rejected bid.... Hmmm.  Clearly value him higher, not in a position to play hardball I don't think unless they are expecting other clubs to get involved 

Around the top half only spurs or United need centre halves and not sure they would go young. 

I think it’ll be a last minute deal unless Keane or Mina get injured at the weekend or international duty, and we then have to pay over the odds (depending on the injury). I imagine we’ll just wait it out until TDD, they’re not in a position to push us unless he’s not interested in moving at the moment. 

[Hafnia 6,287]

Just now, Matt said:

I think it’ll be a last minute deal unless Keane or Mina get injured at the weekend or international duty, and we then have to pay over the odds (depending on the injury). I imagine we’ll just wait it out until TDD, they’re not in a position to push us unless he’s not interested in moving at the moment. 

He's pushing for the move by all accounts... Carlos revolution

[Matt 7,606]

Just now, Hafnia said:

He's pushing for the move by all accounts... Carlos revolution

Then we hold all the cards unless there’s an injury. 

[Matt 7,606]

 

I know it’s YT, but he looks strong and confident with his feet, can pick out some long passes too. 

[Tonsta 57]

Don't forget we can buy from the EFL well after the transfer deadline, so no panic just yet.

[pete0 1,821]

Rather we bring in an older player. Our the centre backs are young and would benefit from an experienced head next to them even if only in training.

[Bailey 4,539]

Just reading through a Norwich forum about him. They like him but they class him as the most replaceable player of the ones that you would expect to leave. The talk is he is rapid (and looks it in the video), with good feet and technique. He is talked about as having poor concentration. The video certainly makes him look competent, which in this league and for that team is a compliment.

[Zoo 2.0 691]

7 minutes ago, Bailey said:

Just reading through a Norwich forum about him. They like him but they class him as the most replaceable player of the ones that you would expect to leave. The talk is he is rapid (and looks it in the video), with good feet and technique. He is talked about as having poor concentration. The video certainly makes him look competent, which in this league and for that team is a compliment.

Without sounding disrespectful, it's probably easy to come across as lacking concentration when you're part of a Norwich defence that was stream-rollered most weekends last season. I'd expect him to be much different in a more stable defence, with the likes of Michael Keane alongside who can guide him (with experienced heads in Seamus and Lucas on the wings too). 

If that's his only weak point, I wouldn't be too worried. Concentration can be taught, speed/understanding cannot. 

[markjazzbassist 2,955]

54 minutes ago, pete0 said:

Rather we bring in an older player. Our the centre backs are young and would benefit from an experienced head next to them even if only in training.

i'd prefer this as well.  pissed we missed out on Thiago Silva, he would have been perfect.

[Matt 7,606]

1 hour ago, pete0 said:

Rather we bring in an older player. Our the centre backs are young and would benefit from an experienced head next to them even if only in training.

I agree and I’m not bothered at the same time. 26 and 27 is prime/coming to prime ages for Mina and Keane. Plus we’ve got two talented younger players. But I can’t think of an older CB that would come in knowing they’d end up being backup quite quickly. But I agree that experience would be very valuable in the back line. 

[Aidan 2,143]

When it comes to our defense I'd rather pace and athleticism than experience. Keane seems to be the mature head this season he's really stepped up his game. Paired with someone who is capable of covering him with blistering pace means we can push higher up the pitch. The last thing we need right now is another Williams. As for Godfrey I'm not so sure about him, I can't recall seeing him play much or standing out when we have played against him. There seems to be a shortage of decent centre halves at the minute so if he turns good this could be a real shrewd signing. 

[markjazzbassist 2,955]

1 hour ago, Matt said:

I agree and I’m not bothered at the same time. 26 and 27 is prime/coming to prime ages for Mina and Keane. Plus we’ve got two talented younger players. But I can’t think of an older CB that would come in knowing they’d end up being backup quite quickly. But I agree that experience would be very valuable in the back line. 

gibson is being loaned out,  so we only have 3CB.  we need another.

[Matt 7,606]

1 hour ago, markjazzbassist said:

gibson is being loaned out,  so we only have 3CB.  we need another.

Holgate and Brainswaite, though i accept the latter is largely untested. Still 4 though

[Drs1972 8]

2 hours ago, Aidan said:

When it comes to our defense I'd rather pace and athleticism than experience. Keane seems to be the mature head this season he's really stepped up his game. Paired with someone who is capable of covering him with blistering pace means we can push higher up the pitch. The last thing we need right now is another Williams. As for Godfrey I'm not so sure about him, I can't recall seeing him play much or standing out when we have played against him. There seems to be a shortage of decent centre halves at the minute so if he turns good this could be a real shrewd signing. 

This 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

I'd also much prefer someone young, like Holgate will benefit from the likes of Keane & even Holgates recent experience, who's fast as fcuk. Speed in our league is priority, T.Silva doesn't look all that IMO, he's 36. I defo fancy Richys chances against him that's for sure. Gimme a young, talented CB, not sure its Godfrey, but I like the idea of him. But we can't trust those bloody YouTube clips they made Ranirez look good 4FS, I'd probably be able to compile a decent 30 seconds of myself. Eeeerm maybe not lol. 

[Matt 7,606]

3 hours ago, Aidan said:

When it comes to our defense I'd rather pace and athleticism than experience. Keane seems to be the mature head this season he's really stepped up his game. Paired with someone who is capable of covering him with blistering pace means we can push higher up the pitch. The last thing we need right now is another Williams. As for Godfrey I'm not so sure about him, I can't recall seeing him play much or standing out when we have played against him. There seems to be a shortage of decent centre halves at the minute so if he turns good this could be a real shrewd signing. 

Pace and athleticism is completely undermined if you don’t know what’s going on though. Which would mean getting another CB in their prime. It’s a bit of a conundrum this, because Holgate should get his place back. Maybe a loan is best, with option to buy. But then the question is who?

[Romey 1878 12,942]

 

[Aidan 2,143]

Just now, Romey 1878 said:

 

 

 

[Romey 1878 12,942]

1 minute ago, Aidan said:

 

 

Nice one. 

[Aidan 2,143]

4 minutes ago, Matt said:

Pace and athleticism is completely undermined if you don’t know what’s going on though. Which would mean getting another CB in their prime. It’s a bit of a conundrum this, because Holgate should get his place back. Maybe a loan is best, with option to buy. But then the question is who?

Yeah agreed mate. A loan with an option to buy would be okay but realistically we need 4 options at CB full time eventually. 

[SpartyBlue 313]

Gonna have to just trust Carlo, Brands and company here. I’ve got some YouTubing to do.

[c1982 2,494]

Read a couple of bits saying they expect him to eventually play as a defensive midfielder. Good age, athletic and versatile - ticks a few boxes for me... biggest tick is that it sounds like Ancelotti is pushing this one.

[markjazzbassist 2,955]

if carlo wants him i'm fully behind this

[SpartyBlue 313]

Having played as a midfielder coming up should mean he can pass it fairly well. Seems like he has a lot of tools certainly. Won’t be under much pressure here to start  as 3rd or 4th choice 

[Hafnia 6,287]

Happy about this. Has a good feel about it. English, good athlete, technically good.  

Good English centre halves are as rare as rocking horse shit, in fact top level centre halves are - period.   

He can play DM and according to Norwich fans they don't know his best position because of his attributes.  One lad who speaks well said they can't reject that sort of money for a player they could replace within the squad, it may be tougher to replace Arron's

[Bailey 4,539]

1 hour ago, c1982 said:

Read a couple of bits saying they expect him to eventually play as a defensive midfielder. Good age, athletic and versatile - ticks a few boxes for me... biggest tick is that it sounds like Ancelotti is pushing this one.

Personally I don't like that happening. A defender should be known for his defending, not being able to play in midfield. If they think about playing him in midfield its because they think he has a weakness at the back, a bit like some do with Stones. 

No-one looks at Laporte or VVD and thinks, ooh wouldn’t they be great at centre mid. 

[London Blue 1,995]

According to the Norwich fans they believe him to be a central defender who can play in midfield if needed, much like Holgate. But his best position is as a centre back.

They think he is a real player and are sorry to see him go, but knew he would move on and that the money will help them. As an aside they think he is a good guy, very professional, team player. I think he will be a very good fit. Excited about him signing for us.

[Aidan 2,143]

2 hours ago, c1982 said:

Read a couple of bits saying they expect him to eventually play as a defensive midfielder. Good age, athletic and versatile - ticks a few boxes for me... biggest tick is that it sounds like Ancelotti is pushing this one.

Was just thinking about this. If Allan is out or needs a rest Holgate or Godfrey could slot in there until Gbamin is injured. Surly better at that role than Delph. 

[barryj 1,120]

1 hour ago, Aidan said:

Was just thinking about this. If Allan is out or needs a rest Holgate or Godfrey could slot in there until Gbamin is injured. Surly better at that role than Delph. 

Surprised I’m able to say this but Delph did well in midweek and has the experience that we need in that position to cover for Allen when required. 

[Aidan 2,143]

5 minutes ago, barryj said:

Surprised I’m able to say this but Delph did well in midweek and has the experience that we need in that position to cover for Allen when required. 

Not so sure how he'd do if he were expected to play that role without Allan in midfield with him. I don't trust him enough. 

[Romey 1878 12,942]

2 hours ago, Aidan said:

Was just thinking about this. If Allan is out or needs a rest Holgate or Godfrey could slot in there until Gbamin is injured. Surly better at that role than Delph. 

Holgate looked ok (really nothing more than that) in midfield because our midfield was utter, utter shite. You put him there now and you’d see that he’s not a real option for a midfield slot. 

[Hafnia 6,287]

4 hours ago, Bailey said:

Personally I don't like that happening. A defender should be known for his defending, not being able to play in midfield. If they think about playing him in midfield its because they think he has a weakness at the back, a bit like some do with Stones. 

No-one looks at Laporte or VVD and thinks, ooh wouldn’t they be great at centre mid. 

I think the point is he started as a midfielder and with his attributes he is  able to play there to a high level despite having spent his recent development as a centre half.  Many norwich fans and pundits think he could be a top class DM. He was outstanding for Shrewsbury as a DM and York. 

Mattheus, Desailly, Mascherano ... 3 players who could do either role and it's not an indication that they were lacking in the other area. 

I think having a player who is a centre half but can play as a DM is a huge plus.  Look at us now Allan is injured, it's Delph or Davies.  

[Palfy 2,981]

2 hours ago, Hafnia said:

I think the point is he started as a midfielder and with his attributes he is  able to play there to a high level despite having spent his recent development as a centre half.  Many norwich fans and pundits think he could be a top class DM. He was outstanding for Shrewsbury as a DM and York. 

Mattheus, Desailly, Mascherano ... 3 players who could do either role and it's not an indication that they were lacking in the other area. 

I think having a player who is a centre half but can play as a DM is a huge plus.  Look at us now Allan is injured, it's Delph or Davies.  

If Holgate wasn’t injured it could quite easily be him he has played a handful of games for us in that position and shone. At this moment in time with what’s available to us I would play Doucoure there with either 2 from these 3 in front of him Gomes Delph or  Gylfi. 
Some would argue that it would stifle Doucoure’s game I wouldn’t, it’s a team game and for me Allan has proved how vital the role he plays for the team is, and for me Doucoure would be the best person in our squad to fill that pivotal role, if you put Delph there we concede goals and the midfield goes to rats shit as in previous seasons. 

[c1982 2,494]

8 hours ago, Bailey said:

Personally I don't like that happening. A defender should be known for his defending, not being able to play in midfield. If they think about playing him in midfield its because they think he has a weakness at the back, a bit like some do with Stones. 

No-one looks at Laporte or VVD and thinks, ooh wouldn’t they be great at centre mid. 

Many said it about Rio Ferdinand though - didn’t see too many weaknesses there. Maybe he’s just a very good player who is comfortable in more than one position. I’ll trust Carlo’s judgement on this.

 

...also, pretty sure van Dijk played a lot of his early football as a centre mid.

[Aidan 2,143]

7 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

Holgate looked ok (really nothing more than that) in midfield because our midfield was utter, utter shite. You put him there now and you’d see that he’s not a real option for a midfield slot. 

I think godfrey is though, has played there quite a lot. 

[Romey 1878 12,942]

Just now, Aidan said:

I think godfrey is though, has played there quite a lot. 

You mentioned Holgate could slot in there, so I was responding to that bit.

I don't have an opinion on Godfrey because I know next to nothing about him as a player now, nevermind what he did coming through. He seems like someone that Brands, and especially Carlo want, so that's enough for me.

[Cisk 126]

Didn't see this coming, not really heard of Godfrey. Its a bit of a worry us paying ~ £30m as a covid price for him. From what I'm seeing across the web there seems to be the general feedback that he can pass and play with the ball but his defending needs some work. I'm not sure this is the type of CB we need or should be spending £30m on as a potential. I'd like to think I'll be wrong but I see him as just a squad filler.

 

[Hafnia 6,287]

11 minutes ago, Cisk said:

Didn't see this coming, not really heard of Godfrey. Its a bit of a worry us paying ~ £30m as a covid price for him. From what I'm seeing across the web there seems to be the general feedback that he can pass and play with the ball but his defending needs some work. I'm not sure this is the type of CB we need or should be spending £30m on as a potential. I'd like to think I'll be wrong but I see him as just a squad filler.

 

Liverpool have just sold Rhian Brewster for £20m+ with a buy back option (how is that I don't know?!).

I think this fee is about right for a young English talent with premier league experience.  

If we wanted to sell holgate we could get £30m at least. 

I like the blend of attributes that he's got.  Didn't know a thing about him but do a bit now.  El pivote - Andy on toffee TV reckons it's a very good signing. 

 

[London Blue 1,995]

Called up to England u23 squad today. 

[RuffRob 390]

Godfrey was mentioned in couple of the 'players to buy from relegated teams' articles that did the rounds at the end of the season. So obviously has been a standout player.

I didn't take much notice really as I was more worried about our midfield at the time. I can't say I know much about him personally. At 22 he is very young so is by no way the finished article yet, has pace, very good on the ball and can defend - he has very good defending stats. ( although he would have been a busy boy in the Norwich team last year)

Brands/ancelotti combo has been pretty good so far, so pretty happy with this one. 

[Hafnia 6,287]

Last time we signed a centre half from Norwich he did ok. 

[Romey 1878 12,942]

At Finch Farm now apparently.

[Cisk 126]

Makes you wonder what happened to Gabriel - we seemed to have the money to get him, perhaps he did not fancy us as much (unless it was wages driven)

[duncanmckenzieismagic 5,071]

https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/2020/10/2/21497651/everton-transfer-rumours-news-ben-godfrey-transfer-fee-confirmed-norwich-holgate-carlo-ancelotti

[Romey 1878 12,942]

21 hours ago, Cisk said:

Makes you wonder what happened to Gabriel - we seemed to have the money to get him, perhaps he did not fancy us as much (unless it was wages driven)

Obviously it's because he didn't want to play for us. Carlo pretty much alluded to it when he spoke about the three signings we had made and said they all wanted to sign for us and that was important.

[Aidan 2,143]

3 hours ago, Romey 1878 said:

You mentioned Holgate could slot in there, so I was responding to that bit.

I don't have an opinion on Godfrey because I know next to nothing about him as a player now, nevermind what he did coming through. He seems like someone that Brands, and especially Carlo want, so that's enough for me.

Holgate looked comfortable there under Dunc. It's not ideal but certainly an option.