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Michael Keane praises Everton boss Ronald Koeman's influence

Michael Keane of Everton
Image: Michael Keane moved to Everton from Burnley in July for an initial fee of £25m

England defender Michael Keane believes he is already improving as a player under the guidance of Everton boss Ronald Koeman.

Keane made the move from Burnley to Goodison Park during the close season for a fee that could rise to £30m, and he has revealed former Barcelona and Netherlands centre-back Koeman is encouraging him to become a more expansive player.

Keane became a dogged defender at Turf Moor but the Manchester United graduate has welcomed the opportunity to learn new skills under Koeman.

Everton's Dutch manager Ronald Koeman looks on during the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round, Game 1 match between Everton and Ruzomberok at Goodiso
Image: Keane has praised the impact on his game made by Everton boss Ronald Koeman

"At Burnley, it was all about defending, which I loved, and I improved a lot when I was there, but it's just a different style of play," said Keane.

"You've still got to do that at Everton, it's the basics of being a defender, but you also have to play out from the back a bit more.

"Ronald is trying to bring that out of my game and develop me in that sense. He was more of a ball player and scored a lot of goals.

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Watch highlights of Everton's 2-0 Premier League defeat at Chelsea last Sunday

"He won't talk to me every day but when he does, he's got a lot of authority and you take it, you listen.

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"Every now and again, he'll pull me into his office, show me a few clips of what he likes his centre-halves to do.

"That's all I can ask for, it's one of the reasons I went there, because he played at the top level. He's got a lot of experience and hopefully he can keep passing that on."

Keane's attentions are currently on international football, however, with England facing a World Cup qualifying double-header against Malta and Slovakia.

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 26: Michael Keane of England gestures to his team mates during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier between England and Lithuania at W
Image: Keane is hoping to feature for England against Malta and Slovakia

The 24-year-old has only played twice for his country but is keen to help Gareth Southgate's side secure a place at next year's World Cup finals in Russia.

Keane received praise for his performances against Germany and Lithuania in March and is hoping for another chance to impress in Malta on Friday.

"It's always going to be there in the back of your mind. It's a dream to go to a World Cup with England," he added.

"Obviously it's a massive year coming up and you want to put yourself in the manager's plans as much as possible.

"Hopefully we get two good performances and two wins. If we do that, we've almost got one foot in that World Cup. It's a big week for us and I can't wait for the games."

Watch highlights of England's World Cup Qualifier away to Malta from 10pm on Friday on Sky Sports Football.

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