Many Everton supporters have taken to social media to laud the role Tom Davies played in the Toffees’ 2-0 win over West Ham United on Saturday.
Davies has been a rarely-seen option this season with just 20 minutes of action in the Premier League after the opening eight games (TransferMarkt), but returned to Marco Silva’s starting line-up for the first time since February, as Fabian Delph watched on with a hamstring injury and Morgan Schneiderlin sat out in place of Andre Gomes.
Whether Davies would have been included in Silva’s plans had Delph not failed his late fitness test is up for debate, but fans have been lauding the Liverpool-born midfielder’s efforts after he brought an excellent defensive presence to the side that could also transition play into the attack.
The 21-year-old’s heatmap from the game showed Davies recording touches in each penalty area, and displaying a heavy presence on the right-hand side of the pitch as he recorded a total of 52 touches during his 5.1% share of possession, per WhoScored data.
Davies put his time in control of the ball to solid use with 40 attempted passes, 34 of which found a teammate and 33 of which were marked as pushing play up the field. He also attempted one shot on goal that was on target, and was never dispossessed by an opponent.
The England U21 international did receive a ‘silly’ yellow card as one supporter noted, though, after he prodded the ball away to deny West Ham the chance to take a quick free-kick shortly before the break.
But many Everton fans were impressed by Davies’ efforts in his first league start of the term, and feel he has given Silva a selection headache going forward.
Here are some of the messages shared reflecting on his performance against the Hammers…
Tom davies starts and we play our best game of the season. Hmmmmmmm
— Tommy Vercetti (@EfcTone) October 19, 2019
Davies excellent today not only in defensive work, breaking up play and moving things forward but also in his presence, communicating with those around him, and in the refs ear frequently. Silly yellow card aside he needs a run of games now. #EFC #Everton #COYB
— Steven (@anxiouspancreas) October 19, 2019
Declan Rice has Tom Davies posters on his wall.
— O (@EfcOlly) October 19, 2019
Tom Davies is the man pass it on
— Jay Sankey (@EFCSankey) October 19, 2019
Tom Davies turns defence into attack. Just what we’ve missed. #EFC
— Neil1878 (@nismoneil) October 19, 2019
Tom davies appreciation tweet #efc
— bootpb (@Fr0u2143michael) October 19, 2019
Really pleased for Davies, Walcott and Sidibe today. Great performances, playing for the shirt. #UTFT #EFC
— MickA (@bluemonkey1878) October 19, 2019
Declan rice gets in England squad over Tom Davies…
— Dean Gossage (@gossageEFC) October 19, 2019
Struggling to pick a MOTM
Sidibe
Richarlison
Gomes
Davies
Mina
Iwobi
Walcott— TheEvertonForum.com/forum – Register now (@TheEFCForum) October 19, 2019
Davies has given Silva a bit of a selection headache and I’m glad. He’s spent ages out of the team but has slotted straight back in, looked really good, has definitely been working on his upper body strength.
— Nick (@NickEFC_) October 19, 2019
Wow – fair to say I did not see that coming. Davies and Gomes is a much more dynamic pairing than anything we have seen in midfield of late. Sidibé has to keep his place and by far Walcott’s best performance under Marco Silva #EFC
— Alex Jennings (@AJennings1998) October 19, 2019
