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da wazamba: This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
England U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd has highlighted the performance of Tom Davies in England’s victory over Kosovo U21s.
What did he say?
Davies has featured 12 times under Boothroyd and his importance to the former Watford boss is becoming more noticeable.
Last night the 21-year-old started in a midfield three alongside Phil Foden and Morgan Gibbs-White, playing in a deeper role he seemed to thrive in as England ran out 2-0 winners.
Such a performance could get Marco Silva thinking, and if Davies maintains his form at club level he could be in line for an increased role under the Portuguese, having only played 11 minutes of Premier League football so far this term.
Speaking post-match, as reported by The Daily Mail, Boothroyd said: “Tom was outstanding. He’s not playing for his club side, to put those two performances in. We’ll see how that holding role develops.”
Davies played a vital role in the opening goal, playing in Steven Sessegnon with a well-timed pass which ultimately led to Foden stroking home moments later, and if he is granted regular opportunities he could start to produce that on a consistent basis.
Finding an identity
A settled role at national level could allow Davies to find his feet at Everton. He has often been utilised in different roles for the Toffees, operating as a box-to-box player at times, but it appears he may be best suited to sitting back in midfield.
His goalscoring and assist record shows he doesn’t thrive going forward, and is instead most effective by keeping things ticking over in midfield. With the trust Boothroyd has in him he should have the confidence to perform under Silva, so that he is able to make the most of his chance when it comes.
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The most important thing for Davies is to have a regular run in the team. It is difficult for any player, let alone a young player, to make a significant impression when they are in and out of the team, but with Fabian Delph and Andre Gomes occupying first-team places he faces a difficult task.
England U21s will therefore provide him with the best chance to express himself, and if he proves himself to be an important player he will definitely impress, even if those at Everton aren’t prepared to give him a chance.
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