Everton defender Michael Keane says he is enjoying the best season since he joined the Toffees.
He told the club’s official website he feels he is playing as consistently well as he ever has since his arrival from Burnley.
Keane credited Carlo Ancelotti for assisting him to get that quality in his game week-in, week-out.
Everton have Champions League ambitions and Keane’s form during an injury crisis at the back has been a factor in that.
“This has been my most consistent year for Everton and I feel I am playing my best football for the club,” Keane said.
“I am one of the more experienced players in the team and getting towards my prime. I go onto the pitch every week feeling we won’t concede and like I can create on the ball.
“When you feel like that it makes everything much easier. I’ve been consistent since Carlo took over but, in terms of individual seasons, this is my most consistent, so far.
“I am really happy with how I’m playing and how the team is doing and long may it continue. I am conscious we’re not even halfway through the season, so I have to keep going. It is the right time for me to be at my peak.”
If Keane keeps this form up, he’ll be in the conversation for Gareth Southgate’s England squad in the summer.
There’s stiff competition, not least from revitalised former Toffee John Stones, but no standout rivals.
Keane has to be among the leading contenders and if he replicates this form in the second half of the season, he’ll have a chance.
Nigel Martyn speaking to Everton News: Archive
