Ben Godfrey believes no one other than Everton fans sees the shooting potential that Michael Keane has. The defender recently hit a screamer against Tottenham Hotspur.
Everton came back to hold Spurs to a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park on April 3 after Keane let rip from distance. The 30-year-old fired home a stoppage-time equaliser 25 yards out into the top corner of Hugo Lloris’ net. His shot left the goalkeeper helpless between the sticks.
Tottenham allowed Keane to carry the ball without applying much pressure after receiving the ball from Godfrey. Oliver Skipp was the closest player in a Spurs shirt but Keane caught the midfielder cold as he cut inside. Skipp’s challenge was then too late to make an impact.
Michael Keane scored a rare goal for Everton to draw with Tottenham
Keane had not scored for Everton since last May when the 12-cap ex-England international prodded home with his weaker foot. The defender was quick to react inside Crystal Palace’s penalty area to begin a comeback. The Toffees were trailing 2-0 but responded to win 3-2.
While Keane’s screamer against Tottenham was also just his 12th goal in 195 appearances for Everton across all competitions. The defender produced his most prolific campaign for the Toffees during 2020/21. He scored four goals through 41 games under Carlo Ancelotti.
Ben Godfrey would back Michael Keane to score from distance again
While goals have proven rare on the pitch since Keane joined Everton from Burnley in July 2017 for £25m, plus £6m in add-ons, Godfrey is confident in his centre-back partner’s skill. He would also back the Manchester-born enforcer to repeat his strike if given the chance.
“No one outside the fans don’t really see it,” Godfrey told Sky Sports News (15/04, 11:27). “But shooting drills, he always does well. So, if anyone was going to shoot from that distance, I would put Keane up there as one of the ones [to score]. I’d back him.”
Keane’s long-range shot to score against Tottenham was only the Everton defender’s fourth non-headed goal for the Toffees yet. He also scored with his right foot against Liverpool in December 2019, a tap-in against West Brom in September 2020 and against Crystal Palace.
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