Everton defender Ben Godfrey has spoken of his admiration for team-mates Conor Coady and James Tarkowski - revealing the pair's addition to the Blues' ranks has brought the squad closer together.
St Helens-born Coady made the move to the Blue side of Stanley Park in August as he penned a season-long loan with Frank Lampard's side from Wolverhampton Wanderers, whom he made over 250 appearances for during his seven-year stay at Molineux.
However, his time in the Black Country unexpectedly came to an end, albeit temporarily at the moment, when he was made available for transfer by former manager Bruno Lage who had reservations about the former Liverpool defender's ability to play in a four-man defence.
READ MORE: What Sean Dyche said about Everton highlights huge problem amid fresh links
READ MORE: Mohammed Kudus and Mykhailo Mudryk factors at play as Dango Ouattara to Everton link emerges
Tarkowski, meanwhile, made the move to Merseyside upon the expiration of his contract with Burnley after they were relegated to the Championship at the end of last season, with former manager Sean Dyche losing his job in the final weeks of a dismal campaign for the Clarets.
Both players have been praised by their manager as they've become Lampard's first-choice pairing at the back. For Godfrey though, this season hasn't been what he would've hoped for as he sustained a fractured fibula against Chelsea on the opening day of the Premier League season, which ruled him out for all of the pre-World Cup fixtures.
However, the former Norwich and York City defender has hailed the impact both of the club's summer recruits have had on Everton's squad, both on and off the field.
“Conor and Tarky have been consistent in the Premier League for years and everyone can see the quality they have," Godfrey told Everton's official website. “I think they’ve been doing really well together. It’s a strong partnership and it’s my job to train as hard as I can to get involved and get back into the team — but I was really happy for them doing well while I was out.
“They are two experienced centre-halves and players I can learn from and take bits and pieces of their game to put into my own. They’re great lads as well.
"They’re both massive personalities in the changing room and they’ve definitely helped to bring us all closer together as a team. It’s hugely important — to not only have good players but to have good characters as well.”
Having made his senior comeback in the Boxing Day defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, it was during a remarkable 90-minute outing against Manchester City and Erling Haaland on New Year's Eve that Godfrey well and truly announced his return as Everton claimed an impressive 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
And Godfrey now believes the months he spent in rehabilitation have left him feeling "stronger" than he did previously, but has admitted he struggled with not being able to play for such a prolonged period of time.
“Not being able to compete, not having gameday, having what you love doing and what your whole routine revolves around taken away was a shock to the system,” added Godfrey.“I feel like I need that routine in my life of being able to play something competitive regularly.
“I found not having it so disruptive for day-to-day life because it throws off everything that you’re used to. I found it really, really tough.
“People don’t see the effects injuries like that have on your home life but I have to mention my partner, family and friends because for them to all be there for me and help me through it was so important.”
READ NEXT
Michael Beale addresses Tom Davies transfer rumours as Everton midfielder linked with Rangers
Everton face difficult transfer decision over two players after latest injury blow
'He understands' - Conor Coady sends Frank Lampard message and addresses Everton board criticism
Frank Lampard makes Everton 'reality' admission after Manchester United defeat
'They still turn up' - Ian Wright and Roy Keane give verdict on Everton fan anger against board
