Sky Sports journalist Gerard Brand has been sharing his praise for Everton’s transfer business they conducted throughout the previous summer window.
This comes after Brand recently appeared in the latest episode of The Sky Sports Football Podcast where he spoke about a variety of clubs within the Premier League.
On the subject of Everton and their incoming transfers during the previous summer transfer window, Brand had this to say on the matter.
He said: “Their new midfield signings have all settled quite nicely. [Abdoulaye] Doucoure gives them legs, Allan gives them the grit and James Rodriguez gives them this clinical edge in the final third, but I actually think Ben Godfrey has been their signing of the season; in defence, they’ve got grittier and their game management has improved massively.”
The summer transfer window saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side spend a total sum of £67.38 million on bringing in the players that Brand mentioned, as well as youngster Niels Nkounkou.
Since joining Everton, Rodriguez, Godfrey, Allan and Doucoure have all made over 10 appearances for the club in the Premier League, with Rodriguez earning himself a brilliant season rating of 7.44/10 (per WhoScored).
TIF Thoughts on Gerard Brand’s comments on Everton’s summer signings…
Looking at their season ratings so far this season, it’s clear to see that the majority of Everton’s summer signings have been successful, especially Rodriguez as he is currently the highest-rated player at the club based on league performances.
Have you been impressed by Ben Godfrey so far this season?
Yes
No
However, in our view, we disagree with Brand’s opinion that Godfrey, who is currently valued at £22.5 million, has been the standout signing for the club so far this season.
Since joining Everton from Norwich City for a fee of £24.75 million and prior to Everton’s midweek league clash against Leicester City, Godfrey has made 17 appearances for the Toffees across all competitions prior in which he has played in numerous positions across the defensive line.
While proving himself to be a useful and versatile member of Ancelotti’s squad since arriving at Goodison, Godfrey’s season rating of 6.8/10, making him Everton’s joint-ninth-highest-rated player alongside Alex Iwobi, suggests that he hasn’t been their best signing of the summer, certainly in terms of impact so far this season, currently placing below the likes of Doucoure, Allan and Rodriguez.