Ex-teammate lambasts Keane and reveals his ‘big problem’ at Everton
Michael Keane is “making too many mistakes” and needs to show more leadership at Everton, according to Paul Robinson.
The ex-England goalkeeper, who played with Keane at Blackburn Rovers, exclusively told Football Insider his former teammate “is not very vocal” and performs better with “a more senior player next to him”.
Keane produced a disappointing display on Sunday as the Toffees were beaten 3-2 by Brighton at Goodison Park.
The centre-half was at fault for the visitors second goal after losing Dan Burn from a corner.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the loss (3 January), Rafael Benitez fumed over the defending for Burn’s goal but refused to point fingers.
When asked by Football Insider for his assessment of Keane’s form, Robinson said: “Keane’s not having a good season.
“He’s making too many mistakes. Set plays have been a real achilles heal for Everton this year. Michael Keane has been a part of that.
“I played with him at Blackburn. He is a very good centre-half who is confident with the ball at his feet.
“He is not very vocal though. That might be what that backline is lacking at Everton, a bit of leadership.
“Michael always plays well when he has got a good player next to him. Godfrey and Holgate don’t give him that. If a more senior player is next to him he plays better but he has to take on that role himself.
“He is 28 now. He has to take on that role. It’s been a big problem this year.”
In other news, Burnley are plotting a raid for an Everton player after stance revealed.