'It's tight' - Sean Dyche explains Ben Godfrey selection decision as Everton face new dilemma

Everton manager Sean Dyche insists: “It’s not about one player or the other,” when questioned why Ben Godfrey is getting into the team at right-back ahead of three specialist options in the position.

Godfrey, who by his own admission, sees centre-back as his natural role, made just one Premier League start for Everton in the first half of the season but has now been picked for the last seven matches in a row at right-back. The 26-year-old, who was hooked by Dyche at half-time when playing at left-back in the corresponding fixture last season, endured a second consecutive disappointment at Old Trafford as he gave away the second penalty his side conceded in a 2-0 defeat.

Given that Dyche named three specialist right-backs among his substitutes for the game – club captain Seamus Coleman, £11million signing Nathan Patterson and Ashley Young who replaced James Garner after 75 minutes – he was asked what Godfrey was currently doing to get the nod over the other trio of options at his disposal. The Blues boss said: “It’s tight all around the pitch. It’s not about one player or the other.

“There are certain players I think have earned their spurs over a longer period this season, some players have had injuries, some players have been up and down in form. There are different reasons for playing players.”

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Meanwhile, as Everton now embark on a three-week period without a game, Dyche claims that their 11-game winless run in the Premier League actually gives his players the opportunity to express themselves. He said: “I said to the players, the oddest thing in