Ben Godfrey’s arrival at Everton makes life difficult for last season’s breakout star

The signing of Ben Godfrey could things trickier Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton.

Around 25 days ago, Everton found themselves in a very vulnerable situation in central defence with Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite both picking injuries. Holgate picked up a toe injury in the pre-season whereas Branthwaite suffered an ankle injury against Salford City, sidelining him for 3-5 weeks.

This left Everton with awfully short options at centre back with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane being the only fit centre backs. Fortunately, these two continued to play without any injury troubles as the Toffees went into the international break. With injuries mounting in defence, Everton prioritized signing a centre back.

Jean-Clair Todibo, Fikayo Tomori, Merih Demiral and a few others were linked but in the end, it was Ben Godfrey was signed from Norwich City. Godfrey has received a positive response from the fans and pundits with the 22 year old brimming with potential and outstanding ability. However, he still needs to polish a lot of his skills in order to maximize the potential he has.

Being coached by Ancelotti could do the trick and the move to Goodison could prove to be Godfrey’s most important decision of his footballing career. Godfrey could be compared to Manchester United icon Rio Ferdinand with the 22 year old getting the tag of a ball playing centre back.

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The arrival of the Yorkshire man adds depth and quality to central defence giving Ancelotti a selection headache. Holgate, Mina, Keane, Godfrey and Branthwaite will be at the Italian’s disposal.

Last year, Mason Holgate was arguably one of the top three Everton players and his return after the injury would mean he regains his starting spot in the lineup. Keane has shredded off the tag of inconsistency and has been one of the most reliable players since the Project Restart for the Royal Blues.

Yerry Mina has had ups and downs, injury concerns of his own but lately, he has been pulling up his act together. Ben Godfrey could be the third or fourth choice centre back once Holgate is deemed fit. This leaves last season’s breakout star Jarrad Branthwaite in a delicate situation.

The 18 year old was signed from Carlisle United in January and was expected to be with the U-23 team. However, injuries to Holgate and Mina during Project Restart left Ancelotti with no option but to call Branthwaite to the senior squad.

Little did we know that he would emerge as one of the best starlets in the side. Rock solid at the back, Branthwaite pounced on the opportunity like a cheetah pouncing on its prey and left the Everton management bewildered.

Things won’t be the same now for Branthwaite. The arrival of Godfrey will see him slip down the pecking order and even though he has proved to be a trustworthy option, game time won’t come easily once everyone is fit.

A player like Jarrad Branthwaite needs more exposure especially, because of his young age and rhythm he currently has. The best option could be to loan him out in January to a club where he can get plenty of minutes and continue his development.