A stadium and an atmosphere can play a big part in the mentality of a player, and for Michael Keane, Goodison Park and Everton supporters are pivotal.
The England international recently sat down with Everton’s official website to discuss what makes the home ground of the Toffees so special, and how supporters can impact the game with their support.
With Marco Silva’ side hosting Sheffield United this weekend, there is no doubt that the atmosphere at Goodison will be rocking, and supporters can use Keane’s praising of the noise generated by fans as motivation to buoy the squad on.
The former Burnley defender said: “You get goosebumps every time you walk out at Goodison. When you hear those sirens go, it gives you a lift, it really does. You hear in the tunnel how loud the fans are, then come out and think, ‘Wow’.”
“It gives you an extra boost of energy. I think it makes you concentrate a bit more as well. You have to try to block out the noise once the game starts and fully concentrate. But the fans can play a huge part for us.”
With Everton heading into the game on the back of a 3-1 loss on the road to Bournemouth, three points will seemingly be the only outcome both the manager and fans expect from the squad this Saturday, and generating a good atmosphere at Goodison will be crucial in the Toffees getting back in their feet after such a gut-punching defeat last week.
A win can potentially send Everton into the Premier League top-four if results go their way, and with the Blades also coming into this game on the back of a defeat, the motivation is there for both the squad to bounce-back on the pitch and for supporters to give the away side an atmosphere to fear.