Michael Keane must be axed for Everton v Southampton after what he did
Michael Keane cannot be in the Everton playing eleven against Southampton if Sean Dyche is to save his job at Goodison Park.
The Toffees conceded three goals over the weekend against Aston Villa and suffered yet another defeat in the Premier League.
With that result, they find themselves rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table.
Sean Dyche’s side next take on Southampton in the EFL Cup on 17 September and Keane cannot be starting that one for them.
Michael Keane’s stats show why he must not be starting for Everton
Keane’s performance against Aston Villa paints a concerning picture for the Toffees, considering their reliance on a robust defensive structure and long-ball tactics.
According to Sofascore, with zero interceptions, Keane failed to disrupt Villa’s play effectively, which is a critical flaw for a central defender.
By losing 50% of his attempted ground duels, he not only highlighted a physical or tactical disadvantage but also showcased vulnerability in one-on-one situations.
Losing possession eight times further compounds the issue, as it directly contributes to the opposition’s counter-attacks, increasing Everton’s defensive workload.
His passing was subpar with only 72% accuracy and the dismal 25% long ball accuracy is particularly alarming given the Blues’ strategic dependence on such plays to bypass opposition lines quickly.
These statistics collectively argue against Keane starting against Southampton and other subsequent matches as he’s not the answer to their woes.
In other Everton news, a ground-breaking update has emerged on the takeover with a billionaire keen on buying the club.
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