---
title: "Michael Keane… Really?"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/michael-keane-really/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Liam Smith"
section: "Articles"
published: "2017-05-09T13:34:02Z"
modified: "2017-05-09T13:34:02Z"
---

# Michael Keane… Really?

Michael Keane, the born and bred Manchester United fan being linked to Liverpool for £25m.

Like most, I’m not happy with this, but not just because of his history with United.

Below I’m going to explain what he could offer our lacklustre defence, but also why he doesn’t warrant the massive £25m mark.

As many would agree, we haven’t yet replaced Jamie Carragher, a leader, a loudmouth and somebody who’s more than happy to throw their body on the line for the team.

I’ve watched him at Burnley and the way they play, yes, there’s no denying he’s been impressive. A few months back, he had the most blocks and clearing headers in the Premier League, which shows his positional awareness is second to none

He’s now at an age, 24, where he’s no longer considered as potential or even as a young player, but he still has plenty of time to improve. Alongside this, he’s played every game for Burnley this season, something Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip can’t say for us. Keane ticks a lot of boxes. However, not all is as impressive and clear as it seems.

His defensive stats, whilst impressive, are also expected considering he plays for a team that allows crosses to come into the box and allows teams to have shots.

Under Louis Van Gaal, Michael Keane was part of Man United’s starting XI that were beat 4-0 by MK Dons in the League Cup, this was a less experienced Keane bur nonetheless, he was at a team who were willing to commit players forward and give the defenders more responsibility, leaving them more isolated at the back. On this night, the whole defensive four capitulated and Keane was unable to show what the hype is about.

My main irritation with being linked with Keane, even though I feel he would be a top signing for a club aiming to be mid table like a Southampton, is for a club like us who are hoping to be playing Champions League next season, he’s simply in my opinion, not good enough!

I’m in the minority of fans who rate Lovren and I believe if that if we bring in strong competition, (whoever that may be) then this will bring out the best in the Croatian centre half.

However, Dejan was in a similar situation at Southampton as Keane is now. He had more protection so therefore he looked a whole lot better, but Lovren has proven when he’s fit and playing with confidence, he’s a worthy asset.

Keane also has Man United blood in him, and the tweet below shows pretty much that his heart is in one place.

> We just asked Michael Keane if he'll be joining United in the summer… his response "I hope so". [#MUFC](https://twitter.com/hashtag/MUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/iiUOIh09pO](https://t.co/iiUOIh09pO)
>
> — HM (@MUnitedGirl) [April 23, 2017](https://twitter.com/MUnitedGirl/status/856173417850077185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

If one good season at Burnley and one England appearance due to other players being out makes you worth £25million then the world’s gone mad!

I don’t just want Champions League football just for the historic passionate nights to return to Anfield, but I want to compete in the competition and to do that, I want us to sign the big names we are linked with.

Virgil can Dijk fits the bill and gets me excited the prospect of him playing for us, whilst Keane makes me feel, well, underwhelmed.