Dyche now has perfect chance to hand Everton outcast his 2nd start in 6 months

Add as preferred source on Google

With attention turning to the EFL Cup, Everton actually seem to have a chance to go far in a competition they have never won without overexerting themselves.

After all, the side that beat West Ham on Sunday was largely their strongest, yet still saw the likes of Beto, Arnaut Danjuma and Idrissa Gana Gueye sidelined.

At last Sean Dyche has a bit of depth to play with, and as such tonight’s clash with Burnley also marks a keen opportunity for rotation without weakening his team too much.

Therefore, perhaps some of those who are most important could see themselves rested, with Jarrad Branthwaite one such star.

Having only really earned a consistent breakthrough this season, it is alarming the rate at which he has grown into one of their most integral figures.

Therefore, perhaps dropping him to the bench could afford a huge chance for Ben Godfrey to reintegrate himself back into the side and start putting the pressure on the 21-year-old titan who has been cruising beside James Tarkowski of late.

How good is Ben Godfrey?

Having joined back in 2020, the £20m centre-back quickly became a fan favourite for his immense athleticism and penchant for a touch tackle.

However, injuries have not been kind to the former Norwich City man, who when fit was often employed to plug gaps rather than in his natural position.

As such, his potential was stunted, and the 25-year-old has seen his influence wane.

That being said, many still remember his impressive form posted throughout the 2020/21 under Carlo Ancelotti.

Featuring 31 times in a campaign in which they were actually second at Christmas, the defender kept 11 clean sheets whilst averaging 1.1 interceptions, 1.8 tackles and 3.5 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

It should therefore come as little surprise that the legendary Italian coach was so vocal in his praise for the £75k-per-week speedster, noting back in 2021: ‘He’s doing really well. It was a surprise for me because I knew him but not a lot. I found a really fantastic defender. He has all the quality a defender needs; he is powerful, intelligent, really aggressive in duels, he can play in different positions.’

A start under a floodlit Goodison Park tonight would actually mark just his second for Everton in six months too, further emphasising its importance.

The upcoming clash marks a huge chance for him to return to that level of form, proving to Dyche why he should be given another chance to reignite his career in Merseyside.