Everton defender Michael Keane has revealed that studying a Real Madrid superstar is the secret behind his recent form in front of goal, speaking to the Toffees’ official website.
The Englishman has played 118 times for Everton since his £30 million (BBC) move from Burnley more than three years ago.
Despite coming in for criticism at times since he joined the club, the 27-year-old’s upturn in form earned him a new contract.
Keane has made a name for himself as a solid defender, but his actions at the other end of the pitch are making all the headlines these days.
The Everton man has scored three goals already this season including one against fierce rivals Liverpool in the derby last month.
Keane was asked about his brilliant form in front of goal, and the defender revealed he has been studying videos of Real Madrid superstar Sergio Ramos, arguably the best goal-scoring defender in the world.
Keane said: “I look at the way (Ramos) attacks the ball. The main thing is to believe you are going to win the header and score. Make aggressive runs, maybe feint to go the other way and find yourself in space.
“Stay alive in the box. If the ball goes over your head, turn and react and be ready for any knockdowns. That happened against West Brom.”
Ramos recently reached the remarkable landmark of 100 club goals.
Keane still has a long way to go before he can get anywhere near Ramos’s level but is surprisingly Everton’s third top-scorer alongside James Rodriguez this term.
If he can keep coming up with the goals, it will help to ease the burden on Richarlison and especially Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
At least until another striker can be brought in to boost the front line during the January transfer window.
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