Michael Keane says Phil Jagielka’s experience and leadership has helped “lift his game” after the 25-year-old produced a man-of-the-match display in the 231st Merseyside derby on Saturday.
The centre-back impressed alongside the commanding Everton skipper as the Blues kept a clean sheet against a Liverpool side which had hit 10 goals in their previous three games.
Blues boss Sam Allardyce was eager to praise his defenders after the game, telling evertontv “you can’t underestimate their quality”.
Keane – who has started Everton’s past nine games – made 10 clearances against the Reds, the most of any player on the pitch, while his impressive 76.