Former Everton player Victor Anichebe has now sent a message to fellow academy graduate Tom Davies.
With the news breaking that 24-year-old Tom Davies will leave Everton on a free transfer this summer after rejecting a contract extension from the club, Anichebe wished the midfielder ‘good luck’ via Instagram.
Davies burst onto the scene during the 2016/17 season and scored a memorable goal during Everton’s 4-0 win over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
However, the youngster struggled to maintain his form and was likely a victim of the managerial revolving door that has plagued Goodison Park in recent years.
Indeed, Davies has been linked with a move to Italian side Monza and after falling down the midfield pecking order, the local lad has decided to seek pastures new.
Responding to the official Everton Instagram account, who made a post regarding Davies’ departure, Anichebe wrote: “Good luck Tom Davies. Will be good to forge his career away from home as the pressure is double. Wishing him the best of luck.”
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Anichebe assertion over pressure faced by youngsters like Davies at Everton is supported
Indeed, Anichebe’s assertion that the ‘pressure is double’ on home turf is no doubt true, and the ex-Nigerian international, who grew up on Merseyside, will know all about that kind of pressure.
Everton’s academy has produced many players over the years that have graduated to the first team, though few have gone on to fulfil their potential.
Indeed, players like Ross Barkley and Jack Rodwell appeared to have the world at their feet in their teens, only to underwhelm as their careers developed.
However, few Everton fans would begrudge Tom Davies the chance to carve a career for himself elsewhere, and you have to respect his decision to seek first team football rather than warm the bench at Goodison Park.
Davies leaves Everton with 155 Premier League games for the club and a lingering sense of what could have been.