Marco Silva says there has been a significant improvement in the performances of Michael Keane in recent months.
The Everton boss was speaking at his pre-Chelsea press conference when he discussed the progression former Burnley defender, Keane, has made this season.
“I’ve seen a big difference in Michael. He’s improving and learning our defensive process in the team. This is the real Michael Keane and he will keep growing.” Silva said.
Keane has started 9 of Everton’s 11 league games so far. He has also been forging a central-defensive partnership with Everton’s other regular centre-half, Kurt Zouma.
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Unfortunately for Everton, Zouma is ineligible for selection on Sunday as he is still owned by Chelsea while on loan at Goodison Park.
Silva has seen his side’s recent form improve and as a result he has stuck with a regular back-four of Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Kurt Zouma and Lucas Digne.
With Zouma unavailable for the Chelsea fixture, Colombian international Yerry Mina is expected to make his first competitive start for The Toffees alongside Keane at the back.
Everton signed Mina from Barcelona after the World Cup in the summer. He is expected to be Keane’s long-term defensive partner when Zouma returns to Chelsea.
It will be interesting to see how Keane and Mina cope against Chelsea this Sunday.