Everton defender Ben Godfrey has opened up on life under Sean Dyche and believes 'healthy competition' for places is keeping standards high in training.
Godfrey made his first start under new boss Sean Dyche against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday. Despite leading twice, the Blues would go on to draw the game 2-2.
The defender, who suffered a fractured fibula and damaged ankle ligaments less than 10 minutes into Everton’s opening-day clash with Chelsea back in August, was handed the opportunity to start after Vitalii Mykolenko missed the game due to illness.
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The England under-21 international is one of six centre-backs Dyche has to choose from, while the former Norwich City man can also operate at right or left-back. And Godfrey admits that all of the defensive players available to Dyche are desperate to play.
“I enjoyed it [returning to the starting XI]. I always enjoy being on the pitch trying to help the boys,” he told evertontv.
“It’s a shame we didn’t get the three points but it’s always enjoyable being out there playing for this club. There’s healthy competition.
“We have got some good players in the defensive line that are all eager to get on the pitch. It’s important we have that competition each and every day.
“It keeps your standards high in training. There are good characters and quality, which is important.”
He then added on Sunday's draw: "We always go into every game trying to get three points. If you don’t win, then you need to not lose it and pick up a point.
“It’s always disappointing when you lose the lead, we have done that twice. But a point away from home is always a bonus. We learn from it and go again."
Dyche replaced the sacked Frank Lampard at the end of January. He took over an Everton side that was inside the bottom three.
And although the Blues remain inside the relegation zone, Godfrey believes his Everton side, who have taken seven points from six games under the former Burnley boss, have responded well to the change of management and believes his side are heading in the right direction.
He said: “Every point matters when you are in this situation. Everyone is disappointed (that we never held on Sunday) but there are positives to take.
“I know that’s a cliché, but every game is going to be important for us. It’s been really good so far under the manager and his staff.
“It’s never easy when a new manager comes in and is trying to get his ideas across in the middle of the season. But I think we have reacted well and the lads are enjoying it. You can see that out there.”
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