Andy Hinchcliffe claims Michael Keane got lucky in Everton clash v Wolves
Michael Keane got away with a big error in the first half of Wednesday evening’s clash between Everton and Wolves, according to Andy Hinchcliffe.
A ball lofted over the top of the Blues defence looked to have caught out the England international who slipped with speed merchant Adama Traore racing through on goal.
However Keane’s blushes were spared when referee Andy Madley blew for a free-kick.
“It’s a nightmare,” Hinchliffe exclaimed on commentary duties for Sky Sports’ live coverage of the match.
“When you’re a defender, the ball is bouncing and you’ve a really wet pitch and your feet go from underneath you, and then you’ve got Adama Traore breathing down your neck…
“I think it’s lucky for Keane that Traore actually slips as well, if he hadn’t have done he’d have been through on goal.”
One-paced
Pace is not one of Keane’s strong points and that was evident once more against Wolves.
In fairness he was tasked with controlling the unpredictable Traore who is easily the Premier League’s quickest attacker and combined with his immense upper body strength, the Spaniard can be an unstoppable force at times.
Isolating him against Keane was clearly a tactic employed by Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo and the incident described by Hinchcliffe nearly paid off handsomely for the visitors.
Keane’s lack of mobility is something that has cost the Carlo Ancelotti’s side in the past, and the only reason he’s not caught out on more occasions is due to the deep starting positions he usually adopts.
His aerial qualities are not in question, however, while his defensive desire ensures he is always prepared to put his body on the line.
Whether that will be enough to guarantee him a starting spot next season remains to be seen, however.
Ben Godfrey is surely certain of his place after a brilliant debut season on Merseyside, and Ancelotti may look to buy big this summer and give him a proper partner to aid the club’s progress.
In other Everton news, ‘100%’ – Fabrizio Romano details Blues stance on £38.8m-rated ace, ‘Amazing’ link could be key.
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