Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka have formed a solid partnership in Everton’s defence this season.
Keane was brought to Everton from Burnley in the summer transfer window, and he initially struggled at Goodison Park.
But in recent weeks, the England international has formed a solid partnership with Jagielka.
And the Toffees captain says that he has been encouraging Jagielka to be more demanding of his teammates.
“With Michael [Keane], he is quite a quiet lad and I have openly said, ‘Shout at me, shout at someone else, no-one is taking anything personally, we need to know where everyone is’, and I think that is something he has in him,” Jagielka said.
“At the start of his career here we had a few difficult periods so it was probably natural go into your shell a little bit.
“But I am encouraging him to be himself and be a boss at the back – whether you are a loud person on or off the pitch, when you are on the pitch you need to pass on information.
“It is getting that way and we have had some lively discussions on the pitch which is brilliant.”
Keane has played an important role at Everton throughout the campaign so far, despite failing to find his top form.
That, perhaps, says a lot about lack of options Sam Allardyce has at centre-back.
Everton are expected to buy more defenders in the summer transfer window, but Keane will hope to keep his place.
Everton won their last match 2-1 against Stoke City, with Keane and Jagielka managing restrict Paul Lambert’s side.
The Toffees are currently in ninth place in the Premier League table, with their next match coming against Manchester City.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
