Everton revamped their midfield last summer with the signings of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez.
That led to the feeling that Tom Davies was not part of Carlo Ancelotti’s first choice engine room – and perhaps placed his future at the club in doubt.
Davies responded to the challenge, making 30 appearances across all competitions.
But former Everton goalkeeper Nigel Martyn exclusively told Everton News he feels Davies has more improving to do if he wants to be a regular.
Davies improvement
“He has had some good performances,” said Martyn of Davies. “I feel for him because – like Kalvin Phillips at Leeds – he’s wholehearted.
“He does give his all for the club, undoubtedly. That’s something you can’t question.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“At times, there is a little lack of quality from him. But his desire and workrate is there – he wants to do well for the club.
“He’s better this season than he was last season but he needs to improve again if he wants to be a regular starter next season.”
“He’s had opportunities this season; done well in some games, not so well in others.
“So if you want that regular starting berth, you have to make yourself undroppable. He hasn’t done that this season so that’s the key for him next season – make sure he’s starting every week via his performances.”
Davies is still just 22, and it is always important to have players with that strong feeling and passion for the club in the dressing room.
He does still need to go to the next level to be an Everton regular, but time is on his side and Ancelotti is the perfect manager to learn from.