Premier League 2017/18: 5 summer signings who haven't lived up to expectations

#4 Michael Keane

Michael Keane and Everton have started the season poorly

Alright, so I wouldn’t say Michael Keane has played terribly thus far in 2017/18. He’s been practically ever-present for Everton thus far, playing six of their seven Premier League fixtures, but the overall form of the Toffees has meant that his reputation has certainly slipped – to the point where he’s not only behind John Stones and Gary Cahill in the pecking order for England, but perhaps behind Harry Maguire and Phil Jones now too.

Everton have had a diabolical start to the season, losing four of their six league games, and those losses include leaking four goals against Manchester United, three goals against Tottenham Hotspur and an embarrassing 1-0 defeat to Burnley.

For his part, Keane cost £30m – making him one of the most expensive defenders in Premier League history – and apparently turned down a move back to Manchester United to head to Goodison Park. He was expected to form one of the Premier League’s most formidable defensive partnerships with Welsh international Ashley Williams but instead, both men look bereft of confidence just a handful of games in.

Can Keane turn it around? He’s certainly got the talent to do so and with the World Cup on the horizon, it’d be a great thing for England if he could recapture the form he showed for Burnley that earned him such a big-money move in the first place. But right now his form – and the form of his club – is worrying.

About the author

Scott is a veteran MMA writer with over two decades of experience, including his ongoing tenure in Sportskeeda, which began seven years ago. He has written over 3000 pieces for the organization, while also covering football. Before joining Sportskeeda, Scott wrote articles for websites like The Oratory and Inside Pulse MMA.

Scott has a degree in history, which drives his research skills and helps him compile accurate information. His long stint in the field helps Scott provide a clear take on important topics, such as the criticism of promotions regarding fighter pay. While he feels fighters deserve a bigger revenue share, he doesn’t want MMA to suffer with purse-split issues.

Scott’s work has been previously reshared by the former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman. He uses credible sources, such as the UFC’s official website, during the writing process.

His dedication to MMA writing won him the Feature Writer of the Month award for Sportskeeda in November 2021.

Outside of work, Scott likes to go to the gym, walk his dog, and travel.

Know More

Edited by Amit Mishra