Garth Crooks selects Michael Keane in TOTW after Everton win v Chelsea
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has selected Everton defender Michael Keane in his team of the week after impressing in his side’s win against Chelsea.
The Toffees beat Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday thanks to a Gylfi Sigurdsson penalty but it was the work of the Everton defence that secured a vital three points.
Speaking in his team of the week column, Crooks claimed Keane is an unsung hero in the Everton team.
He said, “It’s always a good sign when the manager picks out his defence as the main reason for his team’s victory. Carlo Ancelotti was in no doubt as to the reason Everton beat the club he won the Premier League title with during his last managerial stint in the country.
“At the heart of that victory over Chelsea was Michael Keane. The former Burnley defender is one of the game’s unsung heroes.
“He hardly misses any games, gives 100% every game and even when he has an off-day you somehow can’t give him a hard time about it.”
Keane has been sensational for the Toffees this season and his terrific personal form continued against Frank Lampard’s side.
According to Wyscout, Keane won 100% of his aerial duels against Chelsea as he sent any long balls back to where they came from.
He also won 100% of his loose ball duels which assured that possession didn’t fall into opposition hands when it was lost.
Keane also made eight interceptions as he cut out numerous attacks and the defender also made a monumental eight clearances as his defence came under pressure in the late stages of the game.
For context, Keane has been averaging just 2.55 clearances per 90 minutes in the league this season. Toffees fans will be hoping that Keane’s exceptional form continues as he keeps impressing in the heart of Carlo Ancelotti’s defence.
In other Everton news, Sami Khedira has explained that he has been in contact with the Toffees ahead of the January transfer window.