Sean Dyche told Michael Keane that there may still be opportunities for him even after the strong partnership that emerged last season between center backs Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski. At the end of last season, Michael Keane was advised that he still had opportunities. The centre back began the year in Sean Dyche’s first XI following the losses of Conor Coady and Yerry Mina in the summer, but the rise of Jarrad Branthwaite saw him drop to the bench for much of the season. Only Arsenal kept more clean sheets in the Premier League in the following months, as Branthwaite forged a strong partnership with James Tarkowski.
While Keane’s chances had grown restricted, Dyche gave him encouragement when he left Finch Farm for the summer break. The Blues manager remarked after the win at Ipswich Town, in which Keane was key in both boxes: “When he went away in the summer, I said: ‘Look, it’s not a given that centre halves play every game.'” I stated, “Of course, I was loyal to the ones last season because I thought they were excellent for a large portion of the season.” But I said, ‘Come back fit’.”
Keane accepted his manager’s advice and returned to preseason in good shape. His importance rose in the weeks that followed, as Branthwaite missed the friendly schedule while recovering from a groin procedure, and Tarkowski had a glute ailment. With Ben Godfrey traded to Atalanta and Mason Holgate finally loaned to West Bromwich Albion, Keane’s role grew – even with the addition of Jake O’Brien from Lyon.
Dyche stated, “He came back as fit as I remember him, and I thought he worked extremely hard in preseason. I believed he was a solid performer throughout the preseason. He seldom missed any – he had one knock, missed a game, or came off, and Preston looked after him.” That form, combined with Dyche’s trust in a player he managed at Burnley, led to Keane starting the season. Following a difficult start to the season, in which Everton lost their first four games and conceded 13 goals, it was no surprise that Branthwaite returned for Crystal Palace, despite Keane playing through a dead leg to help Everton earn a critical first point of the season at Leicester City.
However, an injury to Branthwaite in the days following the victory against Palace necessitated Keane’s return for the visit of Newcastle United. The 31-year-old was brilliant as Everton kept a clean sheet in that goalless draw, and he was on form again at the weekend, scoring his second goal of the season in a 2-0 victory over Ipswich. With Branthwaite nearing fitness, his spot at Fulham could be jeopardised next weekend. However, Dyche believes Keane’s absence is unlikely, demonstrating his satisfaction with the defender’s performance.
He stated, “I believe he is earning the right to play, and that is all you can ask of players.” It’s not a guarantee that you play, but you want him to earn the right – you want them to raise doubts in your mind in the appropriate way, and I believe he continues to do so.”
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