Evertonians hope their new signing can follow in the footsteps of another centre-half who swapped Carrow Road for Goodison Park, says Toffees fan Mark Boggis
“Delighted to sign - can’t wait to get started with this huge club!”
That was the reaction of Ben Godfrey as he expressed his joy at joining Everton.
Thanking the Norwich City faithful, he admitted he “had so many great memories” during his time at Carrow Road.
And now there are high hopes that the 22-year-old – who will wear shirt number 22 at Goodison Park – can continue to progress and fulfil the comments of his former manager, Daniel Farke, who said that he has the potential to captain England.
Top of the Premier League, having won seven matches out seven in the league and cup, and with a home draw in the quarter final of the Carabao Cup secured, it is a good time to be an Evertonian.
Having already been bolstered by the signings of Niels Nkounkou, Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucouré, early season injuries to Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite had left the Blues with just two fit centre backs in Yerry Mina and Michael Keane.
Whilst Colombian Mina was excellent during Saturday’s home win over Brighton, and Keane’s form over recent months has seen him return to the England squad, a new centre back signing has been pushed forward.
Fikayo Tomori and Jean-Clair Todibo have been linked, but Godfrey’s signing for an undisclosed fee – believed to be a Norwich City club record – has been hailed by Evertonians.
Penning a five-year deal, supporters have praised the capture of an “exciting young player,” who has captained England U21 and looks set to be a shrewd addition to Carlo Ancelotti’s defence.
For Evertonians there are high hopes that Godfrey can emulate another former centre half who made the move to Goodison Park from Carrow Road.
Rewind to August 1986 and another determined defender in his 20s – who always wore his heart on his sleeve – would join Everton from Norwich.
Dave Watson signed for a fee that eventually rose to over £1m – and he would go on to play more than 500 games over 15 seasons at Everton.
A league title winner in his first season at Goodison Park, Watson’s courage and consistency saw him become club captain for many years.
Fast forward to the current campaign, and with renewed optimism around the club, Godfrey’s first comments in a blue shirt have already struck a chord with supporters.
Quickly endearing himself to the Goodison Park faithful, Godfrey told the club’s website: “The aim for me at Everton is to win trophies and win games. I like to win.”
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