David Moyes saw his Everton side prevail at the weekend against Fulham, and it will have made him very relieved that one Toffees star was retained in the summer.
Goals from Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane sealed the win for Everton on Saturday at Hill Dickinson Stadium to end a run of three games without a victory.
It was pleasing for Moyes to see Everton score from set-pieces, something he is keen to improve at the club of late.
And Keane, who nodded home that second goal, is a player who is clearly benefitting from this new approach and an extended run in the team recently.
Everton defender Michael Keane.
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Michael Keane contract was a no-brainer for Everton
Ironically, Keane very nearly left Everton this summer when his contract expired. But, the club decided to keep him around for another year in the end.
Keane explained Moyes was key to his decision to stick around, too, and he’s thriving this season. The big defender now has two goals to his name, and has been solid at the back.
It’s no secret that Everton fans have criticised Keane in the past, but he’s proving them wrong and winning their affections once more this season.
For Moyes, with injuries and a lack of transfer activity in the centre-half area, keeping Keane this summer was a no-brainer. With his level of experience, maturity, his reading of the game, and his aerial prowess, he’s perfect for the Everton manager, and there’s no denying the team would be weaker without him right now.
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His contract may be running out at the end of the season, but with his current form, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Keane offered another extension.
Everton v AS Roma - Pre-Season Friendly
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Old guard defence will make way for Everton eventually
Just this weekend, David Moyes offered strong praise for Keane, saying: “I think he’s done really well… he led with professionalism when he was not involved, did not sulk when he was not in the team and overall was just very professional. I’m pleased with him, long may it continue.”
Obviously, Moyes will eventually have a decision to make when Jarrad Branthwaite returns from injury. Keane hopes he’s done enough to keep his place, but the quality of his younger teammate is undeniable.
There’s also talk of Everton signing Charlie Cresswell in January. That move would almost certainly spell the end for Keane in the long-run.
Everton do need to freshen up their central-defensive options. There’s only so much longer Moyes can rely on the old heads of Keane and James Tarkowski, but Everton fans should enjoy Keane’s positive form while they can.