Phil Kirkbride's Pre-Season Diary #5: Sion reflections, Kevin Mirallas at right-back, and the blossoming of Michael Keane

After a short stay back at home, our Everton FC correspondent Phil Kirkbride has jetted out to the picturesque setting of Verbier in Switzerland, where he watched Marco Silva's side continue their pre-season preparations with a 0-0 draw with FC Sion on Sunday afternoon. Phil looks back at what he viewed as an improved performance from a Blues team with a more familiar look to it, explains the decision to start Kevin Mirallas at right-back (!) and why Oumar Niasse hasn't changed much. Where there has been a change has been in Michael Keane, and Phil examines the difference in the centre-back compared to 12 months ago. He also offers an interesting statistic about Mason Holgate, picks out one youngster for particular praise, and reveals why Jonas Lossl and Tom Davies left the rest of Everton squad waiting after joining supporters in a bar. Enjoy. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices