Everton’s pre-season officially got underway on Tuesday night, and there is a lot to unpack.
David Moyes got the first real look at his players following their summer breaks.
The travelling Everton fans came in their thousands and braved the elements in the unsheltered stand at the Wham Stadium.
Beto has impressed Moyes in Everton training this summer, and the 27-year-old was able to score the club’s first goal of pre-season.
There were plenty of positives to take from the game despite the result.
Young winger Isaac Heath also impressed for Everton, with the young prospects making up a big part of the positives for the Blues.
On top of this, Michael Keane dropped an exciting transfer insight for the fans.
Accrington Stanley v Everton - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
Michael Keane drops Everton transfer message
Over the last few weeks, Keane signed a new Everton contract to keep his future tied down on Merseyside.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
The veteran defender is one of just a few to remain at the club following the end of their contracts in June.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the friendly against Accrington Stanley, Keane admitted he is expecting a number of new faces to come through the doors.
“It’s exciting times [at Everton]. Like you say, we’re going to have a few new faces. A lot will change this summer within the club, but I think the club’s only going in one direction,” he said.
“I think it’s important we get the new lads settled in as soon as possible; get to know each other and play the way we want to play.”
Keane had a lot of interest coming from clubs all around the world.
However, he has decided to remain with the Toffees ahead of their historic move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Keane faces interesting role at Everton
Heading into the summer, it was suggested Everton wanted to sign a new centre-back, with Keane expected to leave the club.
The Blues now have four centre-back options for Moyes to select from:
Jarrad Branthwaite
James Tarkowski
Jake O’Brien
Michael Keane
The 32-year-old may well be at the bottom of the pecking order, unless O’Brien plays at right-back again, but he may hold a valuable role.
Keane had to come in for the final games of the season following injuries to both Branthwaite and Tarkowski.
On Tuesday night, Everton fans were chanting Keane’s name on the back of the contract news.
He may not be the starting centre-back under Moyes, but the experienced figure could still provide the club a lot this season.