By Saikat Mandal

6th Feb, 2023 | 3:10pm

Everton defender Michael Keane could still play vital role under Sean Dyche

The arrival of Sean Dyche at Everton has come as a huge blessing for Michael Keane. 

The 30-year-old has made only one Premier League appearance under Frank Lampard this season, and he was given no explanation as to why he is being frozen out. 

Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina were absent for a major chunk of the season, and Lampard could have easily used him. He could have given him a bit-part role as well, but the former manager chose to ignore him completely.

Dyche has given him new hope. After all, it was under Dyche that Keane established himself as one of the finest centre-backs in the Premier League, and that earned him a move to Everton in the first place back in 2017. 

He has made over 185 appearances for the club, and this is for the first time he felt he is not needed at Goodison Park. Last season, he made 38 appearances in all competitions, but it has been a different story this time around. 

Dyche has shared that he spoke with Keane ahead of Everton’s Premier League clash against Arsenal. He made it very clear that the defender is not in the best of shape, but the club will work on it. 

“I spoke to Michael Keane before the Arsenal game, a player I think is a terrific player, and said I don’t think you are there yet physically, we will get you there because I believe he is a very, very good player,” said Dyche, as quoted by Liverpool Echo.

This will definitely be going to boost Keane’s confidence. He has been hailed as a “terrific” player by Dyche who has dropped a major hint that Keane is in his plans.

While it won’t be easy for him to break the partnership of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski, he can still play a big role as a squad player as the Toffees are looking to avoid relegation. 

Keane has a contract at the club until 2025, and he can look to resurrect his Everton future with strong backing from his manager.