David Moyes to consider Everton twist as ‘significant’ admiration for Michael Keane shared
David Moyes has made it clear that he is a big fan of Michael Keane at Everton.
The centre back has been a regular starter for the Blues in the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite this season, putting in performances that have gone under the radar.
However, with Branthwaite now back to full fitness, Keane has been sidelined once again, but may not have to wait too long to get back into the Toffees’ starting lineup.
According to the Liverpool Echo on Monday, Moyes is said to hold a “significant amount of trust” in Keane, and the defender will be hoping for a big part to play until the end of the campaign.
Everton‘s defensive display in their 3-2 win against Newcastle has also been highlighted, and could even be what makes Moyes throw Keane back into the mix.
How can Michael Keane break back into David Moyes’ starting eleven?
It’s fair to say that James Tarkowski and Branthwaite are Moyes’ preferred centre-back’s, but Keane’s skills are still appreciated by the Everton boss.
Keane has started just one time in his last three appearances for the Blues, but was put in the eleven from the off alongside Tarkowski and Keane in the 1-0 loss to Manchester United last month.
Moyes may have played the 33-year-old in this game for additional support in defence, shifting Branthwaite to left-back, instead of playing Vitalii Mykolenko
- Keane has played 24 games in the league this season
- He has started 22 times
- His only two substitute appearances have come in the last three games
So with that being said, there’s still a chance that Keane will start games, but possibly only in matches where Moyes feels he needs extra defensive capabilities.
There’s also a worst-case scenario where Branthwaite injures himself again, but given his lengthy recovery, that’s unlikely.
Has Keane done enough to earn a new contract at Everton?
Keane’s performances this season may not have been expected by anyone back in the summer, especially due to his age and past displays.
However, the Englishman appears to be ageing like a fine wine in the game, and looks as solid as ever, remaining a goal-scoring threat.
| Contract extension date | Contract expiry date |
| 4 July, 2025 | 30 June, 2026 |
Keane’s deal with the Toffees currently runs out at the end of this campaign after triggering a one-year extension last summer.
If he keeps getting a chance to impress, it would be no surprise to see the centre-half remain at Hill Dickinson for another 12 months beyond his current deal.
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