Rio Ferdinand has praised a host of Everton players after Saturday’s 1-0 win over Chelsea.
On the Rio Ferdinand Presents… show on YouTube, the BT Sport pundit has praise for defenders Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane in particular.
Before the weekend, Everton hadn’t kept a league clean sheet since the opening game of their season – a 1-0 win at Tottenham.
It’s fair to say Ferdinand was impressed with the Toffees as they put a dent in Frank Lampard’s title bid.
“You have to give enormous credit to Carlo Ancelotti for the way he set his team up,” said Ferdinand. “It was forced because he’s had injuries in the full back areas.
“He throws in two centre halves. New signing, 30-odd million for Ben Godfrey from Norwich – comes in, plays left back as a centre back, enormous performance.
“Right back, Mason Holgate was tremendous too. Michael Keane was immense, outstanding. He’s been consistent recently.
“Calvert-Lewin as well, he’s a nuisance. Must be one of the hardest strikers in the league to play against at the moment.”
Saturday’s win was a big result for Everton and they needed it after a shaky run.
Greater defensive resilience is definitely a plus too after that run without a clean sheet.
Now the challenge is to keep it going into a hectic Christmas period. They could earn a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals if they beat Manchester United next Wednesday.
If they defend like they did on Saturday, they’ll have every chance.
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