Davies keen to prove himself once again
Everton youngster Tom Davies is determined to earn his place in the starting line-up once again.
Speaking to the club’s official website, the England Under-21 international admitted that he needs to step up in order to break into Ronald Koeman’s midfield plans.
Last season is last season. The manager is focused on what is ahead – and that is like us. I do not think you get a place in the team off what you did last season. It is all about this season and proving yourself again.
But it is a challenge you look forward to. I have reflected on last season with people close to me. We talked about that and we discussed what I needed to do this season and what it would be like. It is kind of tough to map it out because you do not know what is going to happen, but it is another test.
The Toffees landed several midfielders in the summer, including Gylfi Sigurdsson and Davy Klaassen, which has seen Davies forced down the pecking order at the club.
Despite this, his performances in the second half of last season lit games up at times, and demonstrated just how much potential he has at his disposal.
After Christmas, last season was good for me. But this year… there will be ups and downs. You just need to be ready for them. I think it is going to be a lot harder than it was last season, especially with the signings we have made.
People expect it from you now. Although we are still young, we have had our breakthrough – that first season – so now you have to step up and do it all again, which I am sure will be tough.
Davies has made just three starts in the Premier League so far from the opening seven games of the season, coming on as a substitute four times in the process too.
For us all, really, it is about trying to impress the manager again… as if you have just come into the squad.
However, the young midfielder is remaining patient, and is keen to go out and prove to Koeman that he has what it takes to be a key player for the Toffees.