Michael Keane has joined Everton on a five year deal, with the fee potentially rising up to £30 million, making him the most expensive player Everton have signed in their history. After winning the Players’ Player of the Year award at Burnley, he will definitely add quality to the Everton’s backline. Everton kept 13 clean sheets last season, and with the addition of both Keane and Pickford, it is likely that the figure will be increased.
Michael Keane was the player who shone in the Burnley side last season and did feature in many of the pundits Team of the Season, including the legendary ex-England international’s Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard! Upon arrival, Michael Keane was quoted:
“Watched a lot of Everton last season, and I believe I really suit how the team likes to play”
With Koeman being such a successful defender in his playing days, he is one manager who can truly get the best out of Michael Keane and this season could see him being included in the England team for the World Cup next year. One question is who will he replace? Williams wasn’t as good as many thought he would, however Jagielka had a horrific start to the last season, so it is more likely that he will partner Williams. However, Funes Mori will come into the equation, as he returns from injury and with Everton being in Europe next season, the back four could be swapped and rotated throughout the season.
Fantasy Football Potential
Michael Keane was fantastic for Burnley last season, keeping 10 clean sheets and played every minute up until gameweek 36. Starting the season valued at 5.0m and ending at 5.0m, it is likely that he will be priced the same this season, furthermore both Everton defenders last season were also valued at 5.0m. With 113 points last season, he was not amongst the big points earners and was 20 points behind Leighton Baines, who was 5th in the points tally for Everton defenders. However when considering Burnley only won 1 away game throughout the season, that points tally is not so bad.
Statistically speaking, Michael was one of the best centre backs in the Premier League last season. He made 43 tackles, created 7 chances, made 68 interceptions and 44 blocks, much higher than the likes of Alderweireld, however the Belgian only committed 9 fouls last season, better than Keane’s 14. These stats mean that Keane is more of a ‘bonus points magnet’ and he did get 10 last season. Keane also only got 4 yellow cards throughout the season, with no red cards last season.
For next season, Michael Keane has fantastic potential to be a great FPL defender and if he is only 5.0m, then he should definitely be considered. He has the potential of getting more than 10 clean sheets and with him being 6″3, he definitely provides an aerial threat. With Everton signing good set piece takers, such as Sandro, and Klaassen, then he is more likely to get more than the two goals he scored last season.
However, as we all know with FPL, there are plenty of negatives to be considered before deciding whether we should choose Keane or not. Firstly, Everton’s fixtures from gameweek 2-6 are very difficult, as they face the top 5 teams bar Liverpool, and with 75% of those being away, it could mean that they will struggle to get a lot of points from these games. Everton struggled away from home last season, so it will be interesting to see how the Everton defence do in the first few games.
If you have enjoyed this early view of the fantasy potential of those moving teams this transfer window, be sure to check the others here.
Written by Bonus FPL (@BonusFPL)
