Everton ‘wrecking ball’ has proven why he is perfect for Sean Dyche’s relegation battle

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Everton’s January transfer window was largely dominated by who might leave rather than those they could sign.

After all, it feels like the club’s existence nowadays is solely to balance the books, praying that they have enough within the squad already to continue surviving.

And whilst that may be the case, it is not a risk they can continue taking without eventually trying to progress as a side.

To do that, however, they must add to their squad without offloading their key assets. Keeping ahold of Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana throughout last month marked a success in-keeping with that philosophy.

However, it is now proving equally as imperative that Ben Godfrey stuck around too.

Did Ben Godfrey nearly leave Everton in January?

Godfrey boasted numerous suitors all throughout last month’s window, and it was widely expected that he might leave to offer a much-needed cash injection to the club.

After all, their financial issues have been well-documented, and as a player largely underused by Sean Dyche, his exit did make sense.

Tottenham Hotspur showed interest at one point, before Genoa also sought to use their 777 Partners connection to lure the defender to Italy.

Atletico Madrid even made a late push for his services, but bizarrely he remained.

Given how he has swiftly since established a starting spot in the side, his reluctance to leave now makes perfect sense.

How good has Ben Godfrey been this season?

The crazy thing is, Godfrey has made just three league starts all campaign, yet his importance to the side now seems massive.

But, his lack of game time makes it hard to actually outline just how successful the 26-year-old has been.

However, it is his ability to seamlessly slot back into the first team, and his professionalism throughout his spell on the sidelines, that truly outlines the immense character of this bulldozing centre-back willing to play wherever he is required.

This kind of commitment is exactly what Dyche will need from his players if they are to escape the drop for a third time, with the £75k-a-week titan always giving 100% no matter the circumstances.

He could easily have kicked up a fuss over his lack of game time, and forced through a move in January. 

But, his unwavering and fiercely loyal attitude has now paid dividends, and he is thriving in the starting side once again.

Averaging one interception, two tackles, 2.3 ball recoveries and 3.5 clearances per game in the Premier League is indicative of this return to form at the perfect time, with Norwich City expert David Freezer having previously referred to him a a ‘wrecking ball‘.

That much is already abundantly clear around Goodison Park.