Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Leon Osman hails 'outstanding' Everton star who David Moyes almost released

Jack Dawson
Jack Dawson

Correspondent AUTHORITY Football journalist with experience at the Edinburgh Evening News and GRV Media; Masters graduate from the University of Derby. FOCUS Scottish Premiership coverage with specialist knowledge of Rangers, Celtic, Hearts, Aberdeen, and Motherwell. THE INSIGHT Jack utilises a network of club and industry contacts across the Scottish Premiership to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the tactical and transfer insight behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Everton have no doubt had an excellent start to the 2025-26 campaign as they sit fifth in the Premier League table.

Multiple players have shone in the opening matches, with Jack Grealish rightly taking the headlines for his performances against Brighton and Wolves.

On top of this, Jordan Pickford has impressed, especially for his penalty save against Brighton.

However, plenty of others have put in fantastic performances so far, which has led to Everton’s positive start.

Everton winger Jack Grealish celebrates against Wolves
Jack Grealish has had a great start to his Everton career (Credit: Imago)

Michael Keane stands out with Everton displays

One star who has perhaps gone under the radar this season is Michael Keane.

The centre-back has stepped in for Jarrad Branthwaite, who picked up an injury in pre-season, and has not looked out of place.

This comes merely months after Everton almost released Keane, with Wrexham eyeing his signature.

However, Moyes eventually chose to keep Keane at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, to help save money on signing a new centre-back.

  • Keane joined Everton in 2017 from Burnley
  • The defender has played over 200 times for the Toffees
  • Keane signed a new one-year contract in the summer

Now, this has seemingly paid off, with the defender starting in every competitive match for the Toffees this season.

Speaking to BBC Sport on 11 September, Leon Osman was quick to highlight how good the 32-year-old has been, saying: "Moyes has signed players that will be good in the dressing room - they bring energy and a little bit of everything.

"It was also significant that the club kept Seamus Coleman and Michael Keane. Keane has been outstanding this season."

Everton star Michael Keane looking anguished.
Michael Keane almost left Everton in the summer (Credit: Imago)

How good has Michael Keane been this season?

Keane has certainly had a good start to the 2025-26 campaign and has been key to the Toffees' great start.

Throughout his four matches, he has helped keep two clean sheets and has overseen three straight victories.

According to WhoScored as of 11 September, his average rating so far this season is 6.98, the sixth highest in the Toffees’ squad

Hopefully, the centre-back will be able to keep up these displays going into September and will keep another clean sheet against Aston Villa on Saturday. 

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Leon Osman
Michael Keane
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