Everton journalist Gavin Buckland has issued his personal concern over the form of young defender Ben Godfrey.
Having missed the club’s first three Premier League games of the season, Godfrey returned to the side as they beat Burnley 3-1. He then played 80 minutes in the club’s disappointing 3-0 away loss against Aston Villa.
Most recently, he managed the full 90 as the Toffees suffered a penalty-shootout loss to Queens Park Rangers in the Carabao Cup.
Having been a central part of the two underwhelming results, it seems Buckland is starting to have some concerns over the 23-year-old’s form.
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While discussing the player on the All Together Now Everton Podcast, the journalist said that he fears Godfrey could be experiencing ‘second season syndrome’.
He said: “The other player I’m a bit worried about at the moment is Godfrey. He looks a yard short, I know he’s probably one who’s not match-fit.
“Just a little bit, maybe, short of confidence. I just hope he’s not having that – I know he played a season at Norwich – that horrible second season syndrome that can sometimes afflict players, especially if they’re younger.”
TIF Thoughts on Ben Godfrey and Everton…
Having signed for Everton last season for a reported fee of £25m, Godfrey will likely hope to improve on what he achieved with the club in his debut campaign at Goodison Park, and avoid the dreaded phenomenon of ‘Second Season Syndrome’ that Buckland mentions.
The 23-year-old was a central figure in the Toffees backline last term, playing 39 times across all competitions at both left and right-back as well as a central defender.
No doubt, Godfrey will be aiming to prove that the level he showed during the 2020/21 season was no fluke, but after just three appearances in all competitions this term, it is probably too soon to have any major concerns over his form just yet.
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