After his performance against Wolves, Michael Keane, a defender for Everton, once again demonstrated his incapacity to play regularly in the first team.
The Wolves defeated the Toffees 3-0 at Molineux Stadium on Saturday, December 30, resulting in their fourth straight loss in all competitions.
Max Kilman, Craig Dawson, and Matheus Cunha all scored goals to keep Everton only one point above the relegation zone.
In preparation for the match, Dyche changed the lineup from their 3-1 loss to Manchester City a few days prior, going back to a restrained five-man defensive lineup.
But dreadfully, it backfired as Gary O’Neil’s powerful onslaught repeatedly ripped through Everton.
The addition of veteran center-back Keane, who was expected to provide much-needed organization and solidity alongside James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, was one of those significant changes.
But for the former Burnley defender, who was dreadful in his fourth start of the season, it was just another forgettable performance.
According to SofaScore, Keane lost possession of the ball ten times, was dribbled past three times, only completed 68% of his passes, touched the ball just 37 times, and won just two of his six ground battle efforts before being hauled off the field after 63 minutes.
It’s likely that Dyche gives the Toffees board instructions to cash in on him in January because this is just another unimpressive performance from a player who has been a dependable lieutenant of his for a number of years.
Keane may receive a lot of bids in the January transfer window considering his homegrown status, especially from teams in need of a center back.
In order to keep him on board for the long run, this can also provide them with the funding to hire someone younger and/or better than him.
Dyche is unlikely to have been particularly impressed with Keane’s play since taking over, so if given the chance, he will want to use the squad’s axe on him.
