The Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern have been responding to comments made by fan-favourite, Leighton Baines on his defensive teammate, Michael Keane. The 25-year-old is currently in his debut season at Goodison Park after moving from Turf Moor last summer and has been described Keane’s recent form as a huge positive for Everton. You can read Baines’ comments on the Everton website.
| “@michaelkeane04 came in at a difficult time, but his form has been terrific in the past few weeks and it is good to see.”
More from Baines https://t.co/qqkABZgcdr pic.twitter.com/W9dl7WHyeM
— Everton (@Everton) 18 April 2018
Keane made the move to Everton when confidence when extremely high at the club. The defender had gained a number of suitors with his performances at Burnley the season before and was one of a number of high profile signings brought in by Ronald Koeman to help the club fight in both the Europa League and the Premier League. The hype was shortlived though. Everton bowed out of the Europa League at the group stage and found themselves languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League, housing a number of high profile flops.
It would be harsh to directly criticise Keane as he’d been marred by having the out-of-form Ashley Williams drag him down for much of the season. The Manchester United academy graduate has made 26 league appearances for The Toffees in this campaign and 34 in all competitions in what’s been an average season for him. The 25-year-old will be hoping he can build on this campaign with a more successful one next season. The central defender would’ve been hoping a spot in Gareth Southgate’s World Cup squad could be his this summer, although the collective failures of Everton look to have cost him his chance.
With that in mind, here’ our resident Toffees’ reaction to Baines’ praise of Keane:
Topped off with a wonderful over the top through ball to Jordan Pickford who had to head it away. Top stuff Michael.
— Ben (@BT_1878) April 18, 2018
Actually he came in when fan confidence was at an all time high. But that all went down the pan which was at least 9.1% down to him being shite.
— Sean Dunning (@seandunning1983) April 18, 2018
Form has been far from terrific. Put under the slightest pressure he folds. Not up to the job I’m afraid.
— Greg Lambden (@Gre9oryPeck) 18 April 2018
Baines is hardly gona come out and say his 2 team mates are is he
— Craig Riley (@CragOnTour) 18 April 2018
https://twitter.com/edunnart/status/986647637901365248
Form or no form, he still turns like a bus
— Mrs Vandebilt (@SJCooperman83) 18 April 2018
Amazing, the back four has been much better with Keane, Jags, Baines, and Coleman all back healthy….
— Scott Ginnett (@sginnett) April 18, 2018
