Rafa Benitez unimpressed with Michael Keane playing it safe
Everton came from a goal down to secure a 3-1 win over Southampton in their opening Premier League game of the campaign on Saturday.
Michael Keane was caught in possession by Saints forward Che Adams, and Adam Armstrong opened the scoring with a fine finish after being played in.
The Toffees got better after the restart and scored thrice to pick up all three points, but Keane decided to play it safe after his error and manager Rafa Benitez was not impressed.
According to Liverpool Echo journalist Phil Kirkbride, the Spaniard could not believe one of the centre-back’s decisions after his error.
He posted on his personal Twitter account during the game: “Michael Keane’s first-half error has made him retreat into safety first mode.
“Benitez turns away in disbelief after Keane opts to head a bouncing ball straight out, instead of controlling it.”
Cut out the mistakes
Keane is a quality centre-back on his day, but he needs to become more decisive and make fewer mistakes.
The Everton ace missed out on England’s European Championship squad in the summer after an underwhelming campaign and will not be going to the World Cup next summer if he keeps playing like this.
Committing an error leading to goal is not a crime, but looking bereft of confidence afterwards will not help Keane get better, and Benitez definitely expected more from such a quality defender.
We are not likely to bring in another centre-back this summer given the need to balance the books and due to the fact that we have other priorities as far as squad strengthening goes, but the manager will start considering his options if his current first choice in the position cannot get the basics right.
Keane can become one of the best players in his position in the Premier League and establish himself as a regular for the Three Lions, but he needs to become consistent and impress every week to do that.
In other Everton news, Toffees man shares why he rejected CL club for Goodison project.
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