Ben Godfrey’s transfer to Atalanta from Everton in January 2025 marks a significant career move for the 25-year-old English defender. After years of playing in the Premier League, Godfrey now faces the exciting yet daunting task of adapting to the competitive and tactical landscape of Serie A. Italian football, known for its disciplined defenses, tactical precision, and unique style, presents a different set of challenges than what Godfrey is used to in the Premier League.
In this article, we’ll examine the hurdles that Godfrey is likely to encounter as he adapts to Serie A and Atalanta’s playing style. From the differences in defensive systems and match intensity to the cultural adjustments required to thrive in Italy, this move offers a fascinating new chapter in Godfrey’s footballing journey. Moreover, we’ll explore how his qualities as a player may help him overcome these challenges, and what Atalanta fans can expect from him in the coming months.
The Tactical Demands of Serie A
One of the most significant challenges Ben Godfrey faces in adapting to Italian football is the tactical nature of Serie A. Unlike the fast-paced, end-to-end football of the Premier League, Italian football is traditionally more cautious and defensively focused. Serie A clubs prioritize maintaining a strong defensive structure and controlling the tempo of the game through possession.
For Godfrey, this means he will need to adjust his playing style to suit the more calculated approach favored by Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini. While Godfrey’s athleticism, pace, and ability to play in multiple defensive positions are assets, his transition to a league that emphasizes tactical discipline may require him to modify his approach.
Understanding the Italian Defensive Philosophy
Italian football is renowned for its defensive systems, particularly the 3-5-2 formation and the “catenaccio” style, which focuses on a strong defensive line and counter-attacking football. Atalanta, under Gasperini, plays a more dynamic and aggressive style, but the emphasis on maintaining solid defensive organization remains key. For Godfrey, this means he must adapt to the slower tempo of Serie A, where maintaining position and reading the game are as crucial as speed and physicality.
Unlike the Premier League, where the emphasis is often on quick transitions and high pressing, Serie A demands defenders to be extremely composed, organized, and tactically aware. Godfrey will need to become comfortable with positioning himself intelligently and making interceptions in situations where the game slows down and focus shifts to controlling the ball.
The Physical Demands of Serie A Football
While Godfrey’s physical attributes have served him well in the Premier League, Serie A presents a different kind of physicality. Italian football requires a blend of stamina, strength, and mental resilience. The longer, drawn-out nature of matches in Serie A, combined with the intense tactical battles, can prove to be more physically demanding than the fast-paced, high-pressure style of the Premier League.
Moreover, Serie A players tend to be more technically proficient in terms of ball control and passing. While Godfrey is capable on the ball, his decision-making and ability to play in tight spaces will be tested in Serie A. Defenders in Italy must be adept at reading the opposition’s movements, anticipating through balls, and being patient in duels.
Adapting to this slower pace while maintaining an aggressive defensive mindset will be one of Godfrey’s biggest hurdles. However, his time at Everton has seen him gain experience playing against some of the best players in Europe, so he has the necessary attributes to cope with these challenges.
Cultural Adjustment: Life in Italy and Serie A Expectations
Beyond the footballing challenges, Ben Godfrey must also adjust to life in Italy. Relocating from England to Italy means adapting to a new culture, language, and way of life. Serie A clubs expect a high level of professionalism from their players, and adapting to a new country’s lifestyle can sometimes be a distraction from the on-field focus.
One of the primary challenges Godfrey will face is overcoming the language barrier. While many Serie A clubs, including Atalanta, have international players who speak English, the need to communicate with teammates in Italian during matches will be essential. In football, communication is key to organizing the defense, especially for a central defender like Godfrey, who will be expected to lead his backline and communicate instructions during games.
Additionally, settling into a new city and adjusting to the Italian lifestyle could be a personal challenge. For a player coming from a busy city like Liverpool, the quieter pace of life in Bergamo, the home of Atalanta, could take some time to get used to. The pressure of performing at a top-tier European club, alongside cultural adaptation, is a combination that can affect a player’s mental and emotional state.
However, many players have successfully navigated this transition by embracing the Italian culture and immersing themselves in the footballing environment. Godfrey’s adaptability and open-mindedness will likely play a big part in helping him settle into his new surroundings.
The Pressure of Replacing a Key Defender
Ben Godfrey joins an Atalanta team with high expectations, and one of the additional pressures he faces is the challenge of filling the void left by a key defender. Atalanta has historically relied on a solid defensive foundation to compete at the highest levels of Serie A and European competitions. Godfrey will be expected to contribute immediately, and with that comes the weight of expectation from both fans and coaches alike.
For a player like Godfrey, this can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the chance to play for a club like Atalanta is a fantastic opportunity to prove his worth on a bigger stage, but on the other hand, the need to live up to his potential could become a source of pressure. Godfrey’s ability to perform under this pressure will be crucial in determining how quickly he adapts to his new team.
However, it is important to note that Atalanta is a club that embraces its players and supports their development. Godfrey will be part of a defensive unit with experienced players around him, and this environment should help him adjust to the demands of Serie A.
How Godfrey’s Strengths Can Help Overcome These Challenges
Despite the challenges, Ben Godfrey’s qualities as a player give him the tools to succeed in Serie A. His pace, versatility, and tactical awareness will be assets as he adapts to Atalanta’s style of play.
Versatility and Adaptability
One of Godfrey’s key strengths is his versatility. His ability to play across the backline – both as a central defender and as a full-back – will be invaluable for Atalanta. This flexibility allows him to be deployed in different defensive formations depending on the tactical requirements of a match. Gasperini’s preference for using different systems could see Godfrey become an integral part of the team, whether in a 3-5-2 setup or in a more traditional back four.
Physical Presence and Pace
Godfrey’s physical attributes, particularly his pace, are crucial in Serie A. While the league is more tactical, pace remains an important asset, especially in one-on-one situations against some of the most dangerous attackers in Europe. Godfrey’s ability to recover quickly and use his speed to cover ground will be key as he adjusts to Serie A’s more deliberate pace. His athleticism also enables him to break up counter-attacks, which is a vital aspect of Italian football.
Learning from Serie A’s Defensive Masters
Finally, Godfrey will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best defensive players in the world. Serie A has a rich tradition of defensive excellence, with players like Leonardo Bonucci, Milan Skriniar, and Kalidou Koulibaly serving as prime examples of defensive mastery. Godfrey can improve his game by observing and training alongside these elite defenders, learning from their experience and adjusting his game accordingly.
Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead for Ben Godfrey
Ben Godfrey’s move to Atalanta is an exciting new chapter in his career. While there will certainly be challenges in adapting to Italian football, his potential to succeed in Serie A is undeniable. With his versatility, physicality, and willingness to learn, Godfrey has all the tools to thrive in Italy’s top flight.
Fans of Atalanta and Serie A will be keenly watching his progress as he integrates into the team and faces the demands of one of Europe’s most tactical leagues. As he continues to evolve and adapt, there is no doubt that Godfrey’s move to Atalanta could mark the beginning of a successful career in Serie A.
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