Everton defender Michael Keane has endured his ups and downs so far.
Everton first-team coach Craig Shakespeare has told the club’s official website that he feels defender Michael Keane is starting to prove his worth for the Toffees after a shaky start to life at Goodison Park.
The Toffees splashed the cash on a host of signings over the summer transfer window, and landing centre back Keane from Burnley in a £30million deal (BBC Sport) was one of the major additions in pre-season.
Keane, 25, had starred with Burnley following a move from Manchester United, becoming one of the top young defenders in the country whilst even earning England international caps during his time at Turf Moor.
Keane was seen as the young centre back with a bright future to succeed Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams, but it has proven to be a frustrating season for Keane, who struggled under Ronald Koeman and has been fighting to prove himself to Sam Allardyce.
Over the weekend, The Mirror even reported that Everton are prepared to cash in on Keane this summer, with former club Burnley interested in re-signing him, albeit at a reduced price.
It remains to be seen whether that happens, but Keane has been offered hope over his Everton career by comments made by Allardyce’s first-team coach Craig Shakespeare today.
Shakespeare has told the club’s official website that he felt Keane always had potential even when they worked together at Leicester City, believing that his experience with the Foxes has helped him in the Premier League.
Shakespeare added that Keane has had to deal with a huge transfer fee attached to him, but he is now settling into life at Goodison Park and can show the player he really is, offering Allardyce major competition for places.
“Michael came to us [at Leicester] from Manchester United with a lot of potential but without the experience at that level, which we were able to give him,” said Shakespeare. “Coming from Under-18 and Under-21 to Championship football, he found it more rough and ready, and more direct. I think it was great experience for him, and he will tell you that.”
“In terms of his progression, he has had England recognition, he has had to deal with a big transfer fee, now he is starting to settle down and show what he is really capable of. I think competition for places is healthy and all players need that. Michael is one of those. It is our job as coaches to say, ‘they have come in, it is up to you how you deal with it’. As coaches, and a manager, you want to try to build a squad, and it is up to players then to try to get into that first XI,” he added.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
