Everton defender Michael Keane is predicted to have a major impact at the international level, as a future captain for England.
When Michael Keane signed his five-year contract with Everton in the summer, it came with high expectations. (Not surprising, when you are bought for a fee of £25 million, which could eventually rise to £30 million.)
Regardless — for the most part — Keane has dealt well with the pressure. Yes, the team has struggled to find form as a whole, but the young defender has proved to be pretty solid at the back.
The 24-year-old is expected to be a long-term fixture in the heart of the Everton defence; someone who will enjoy a successful career. And according to at least one person, this success should extend to the international level.
As reported by the Echo‘s Ian Doyle, Steve Walsh, the Blues’ director of football, predicts Keane has all the attributes needed to be a future captain for England. Speaking to Doyle, Walsh said:
"“You need somebody who is good in the air, who is competent and who can be strong. Upper body strength is a key role to be able to block shots, and want to defend.“You get modern day defenders who are quite happy to play out from the back, but when it comes to the hard core of the job, they are maybe not up to it.”"
Walsh went on to say Keane has the strength and passion to put his body on the line. In addition, he raved about the former Burnley player’s ability to play the ball out of defence.
Now, it’s not exactly a surprise to hear someone associated with Everton show their faith and optimism in one of the players. However, Walsh’s assessment is still worth listening to.
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Consider that Walsh’s resume includes previous positions with Chelsea and Leicester City. The latter is particularly worth mentioning, as he discovered the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, who both helped the Foxes secure their unlikely Premier League title in 2015/16.
If Keane is to enjoy long-term success in defence for both club and country, you expect he will need some help from his goalkeeper. In that respect, Walsh also predicts a bright future for Jordan Pickford.
Speaking to Everton sponsors Sure, Walsh said Pickford will eventually become the number one goalkeeper in England. If he’s right about both players, this will surely bode well for Everton, as they look to return to former glories.
Next: Who will sign Ross Barkley?
Obviously as an Everton fan, your main concern is how Keane performs for the Blues. Regardless, what kind of future do you predict for him at the international level? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.