Everton defender Michael Keane has been reinvented this season.
With Jarrad Branthwaite injured, Michael Keane has been the starting centre-back next to James Tarkowski this season.
Keane has been immense and rounded off a productive August and September with a brilliant headed goal against West Ham United earlier this week.
The Everton star has been speaking to the club website about his form and what fans have been saying online.
Everton defender Michael Keane.
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Michael Keane responds to Everton fans’ praise online
Keane has responded to the Everton fans who have been praising his performances on social media this season.
“I don’t see it all, but I’ve been told about it, and I see little bits of it,” the 32-year-old said.
“It’s nice. To have the fans on my side and backing me is a really good feeling and it makes me want to do well for them even more.
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“I know there’s been bad times in the past, so if I can perform well enough to maybe change their opinions on me, then great, but either way I don’t really let it affect how I go about my business day to day and how I train and how I approach games.
“But if they can support me like they have done, then I’m really appreciative of that. I just want to repay them and keep putting in good performances.”
“My goal is to do the best I can to make it really hard for the manager to take me out of the team.”
Michael Keane talks David Moyes, quality in training, his new contract, Hill Dickinson Stadium and much more in our latest Long Read. 🔽
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Michael Keane desperate to stay in team beyond Jarrad Branthwaite’s return
Branthwaite, who is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the Premier League, is very close to making his return from injury.
Naturally, many expect him to come straight back into the starting line-up, but Keane is desperate to retain his spot.
“My goal is to do the best I can to make it really hard for the manager to take me out of the team. I can’t control his decisions.
“Obviously, it was the same last year, and I understand that Jarrad’s a brilliant player and he’s been fantastic, but all I can do is focus on myself and give myself the best chance to stay in the team.”
There has been a suggestion that it could be Tarkowski who comes out of the 11, which shows just how good Keane has been.