Everton must cash in on Michael Keane in January transfer window
Michael Keane’s woeful performance for Everton against Bournemouth highlights why Frank Lampard does not seem to trust him a great deal.
The Toffees lost the game 4-1 in what was quite an abject defensive display from them right from kick-off and brings into question the strength in depth at the club.
However, one player they can do without is Keane, who played his first senior game in over two months and clearly wasn’t up to the mark.
He certainly was at fault for the opening goal scored by Jamal Lowe in the seventh minute and that then set the tone for a pretty underwhelming performance from him.
Keane did not read the ball well and struggled to anticipate attacks down the right, with Nathan Patterson’s positioning also not doing him any favours.
The 29-year-old also failed to find his man more times than not as he managed to just complete two of his seven attempted long balls. [Sofascore]
If a defender cannot defend or be important in the build-up, there is no need to have him in the squad and the team is better without his wages in the payroll.
Instead, they should look to cash in and buy someone younger who can develop into a future first-team centre-back.
Keane’s best days are certainly behind him and with all of the Everton defenders fit, he’s probably fifth or sixth in the pecking order at the club.
Everton were willing to listen to offers for him over the summer and we do not think he has done anything for them to change their stance.