Michael Keane is proving his leadership credentials at the heart of Everton’s back four – and the “commanding” centre-half will continue to flourish under the guidance of Marco Silva.
That is the view of Graham Stuart, the former Everton attacker who has witnessed Keane establish himself as a cornerstone of Silva’s ambitious team.
Keane has formed a solid defensive alliance with Kurt Zouma, the duo teaming up to help Everton win four of their past five Premier League matches and record two clean sheets in the process.
Zouma will miss out against parent club Chelsea on Sunday but Stuart insists whoever steps into the Frenchman’s shoes will be aided by the assured presence of Keane beside them.