NafisaRangers supporters have been eager to see what Ben Godfrey can bring to Ibrox after the club secured the experienced defender on a season-long loan from Atalanta.
With Derek McInnes determined to tighten a backline that struggled for consistency last season, the former Everton centre-back arrived with the expectation that he would become an immediate starter.
The 28-year-old boasts Premier League pedigree and has long been admired for his athleticism, versatility and recovery pace. Those qualities made him one of Rangers’ standout defensive additions this summer, particularly after a campaign in which the club’s defensive frailties proved costly during the closing stages of the Scottish Premiership season.
However, after only one pre-season outing, questions are already beginning to surface following an incident that has caught the attention of supporters on social media.
Why Rangers may not get Ben Godfrey’s standout trait
Godfrey featured for the full 90 minutes as Rangers drew 1-1 with South African side Kaizer Chiefs during a behind-closed-doors friendly at the club’s pre-season training camp in Spain.
The Scottish side looked set for victory until Kaizer Chiefs struck in the 77th minute following a rapid counter-attack before Findlay Curtis rescued a draw with a late equaliser.
Although it was only a friendly, footage of the Chiefs’ goal quickly circulated online and prompted debate among Rangers supporters.
The move came after Rangers lost possession from a short corner routine, allowing Kaizer Chiefs to break quickly. Godfrey could be seen sprinting back alongside Clinton Nsiala in an attempt to recover, but neither defender managed to prevent the attack from ending in a goal.
One supporter on X reacted by writing:
“Not loving this turn of pace from Ben Godfrey good grief.”
The clip surprised some supporters because pace has consistently been regarded as one of Godfrey’s greatest strengths throughout his career.
Since leaving Everton for Atalanta in the summer of 2024, the defender has struggled for regular football, spending time on loan at Sheffield United before finishing last season with Danish club Brøndby.
He has not made more than 16 appearances in all competitions during a single campaign since the 2023-24 season, meaning Rangers are hoping consistent minutes will help him rediscover his best form.
While concerns have inevitably emerged following the friendly, it remains very early in pre-season, with players still working towards full match sharpness after returning from the summer break.
Godfrey once described as able to ‘catch pigeons’
Godfrey’s reputation for speed was firmly established during his time at Everton after completing a £20 million move from Norwich City in 2020.
Former teammates regularly singled him out as the quickest player at the club.
“Ben Godfrey catches pigeons, simple as,” said former Everton defender Jonjoe Kenny.
Midfielder Tom Davies even added:
“I did see him catch a pigeon once. In Florida he actually caught an alligator.”
Former Everton winger Anthony Gordon also backed Godfrey when discussing the fastest player in the squad.
“I think there’s a few up there.
“I’d put Dom (Calvert-Lewin). I’d put myself up there. Demarai (Gray) but I think Ben beats us all.”
Those comments helped cement Godfrey’s reputation as one of English football’s quickest defenders, making the footage from the Kaizer Chiefs match an unexpected talking point among Rangers fans.
Despite the online reaction, it would be premature to draw firm conclusions from a single pre-season fixture. Friendly matches are designed to build fitness and rhythm, particularly for players who have experienced limited game time in recent seasons.
McInnes and his coaching staff will be confident that, with a full pre-season behind him, Godfrey can regain the sharpness that once made him one of the Premier League’s most athletic defenders.
Rangers signed the 28-year-old believing his experience, physicality and pace could strengthen their defence ahead of a demanding campaign. While one moment against Kaizer Chiefs has sparked debate, the real assessment of Godfrey’s impact will come once the competitive season begins and he has the opportunity to show why the Ibrox club placed their faith in him.
Nafisa
