Tom Davies’ place in the Everton squad has once again been called into question, in particular due to Marco Silva’s comments on his absence against Lincoln City.
The 21-year old midfielder was expected to play a starring role in the Carabao Cup game against The Imps in a bid to force his way into Silva’s immediate first-team plans, however he was left out of the match-day squad entirely.
Fans had been left to speculate on why this was the case, however Silva provided a reason after the game, in which Everton progressed to the third round of the competition following a 4-2 win at Sincil Bank.
Speaking after the game, as reported by Liverpool Echo, Silva claimed Davies exclusion was down to his tactical approach, saying:
It was a tactical decision, but it was not just him.
Coleman was not in the squad list, Bernard was not in the squad list. Maybe one or two more.
With the cup tie seen as the ideal game for Davies to kick his season underway, several Everton fans responded to the information in a number of ways.
Twitter: @Adam_Jones94 I like him a lot but looks like he’s just not going to make it for us as he’s been overlooked time and time again. (@dorf14)
Twitter: @Adam_Jones94 No surprise. He’s not good enough and Silva is finally seeing this. His mate Calvert-Lewin will suffer the same fate. (@PM1tty)
Twitter: @Adam_Jones94 Interested to see if he’s in the starting 11 then this weekend. Would be quite disappointed if he is… https://t.co/8qNqC39Eca (@KylePrewett)
Twitter: @Adam_Jones94 @LivEchoEFC I can see Tom looking for a move elsewhere. Has he lost his self belief because of a lack… https://t.co/d34BrSQk8d (@RogerWi33581994)
Twitter: @Adam_Jones94 @LivEchoEFC Which of our transfer purchases came in as “Cover For Tom Davies”?
That’s right none of… https://t.co/eKh7FU4TDu (@NumanoidBlue)
Read Everton Verdict
I was equally confused to not see Davies at least in the match-day squad against Lincoln. As a talented young player still growing and developing, Davies needs minutes on the field, and featuring against Lincoln seemed like the ideal situation in which to give him his chance to impress at no great risk.
Now though, it does make you wonder where he’ll factor in for Everton in the long-term. Andre Gomes, Morgan Schneiderlin and Fabian Delph will all be in contention for Wolves on Sunday, and I can’t see Davies displacing any of them. Then when JP Gbamin returns from injury, Davies will be further down the pecking order.
I spoke earlier this summer about Davies needing a Premier League loan, and I maintain that it would be an important step for him. Certainly if Silva reignites interest in Abdoulaye Doucoure in January, or if he looks at alternative midfield targets, Davies must leave Goodison Park on a short-term deal.
