Exclusive: Kevin Campbell claims 22y/o should replace injured Everton star
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell claims that Tom Davies should replace Allan in the Everton midfield if the Brazilian is unable to play against Fulham this weekend.
According to a report in Globo Esporte, Allan picked up a knock in Brazil’s draw with Venezuela last week and missed his country’s tie with Uruguay on Tuesday.
It is unclear if Allan will be fit to start for the Toffees this weekend but Campbell believes that Davies should step in if the 29-year-old is ruled out.
Speaking to Goodison News, Campbell said, “Well there was talk of Tom Davies leaving and that didn’t quite materialise but it’s the likes of Tom Davies that have to step up. You’ve seen how good Allan is and what he does, but can Tom Davies come in there and do a job?
“It doesn’t have to be the same way that Allan does it, be you’re going to have to be able to protect that back four and win the ball back, I think recoveries are key. Obviously, you get plenty of help from (Abdoulaye) Doucoure and (Andre) Gomes.
“I think whoever comes in there, and I think it will be Davies, has to do a sterling job in front of that back four.”
TalkSPORT reported through the summer that Southampton were ‘in talks’ to secure the loan signing of Davies as he was seemingly deemed surplus to requirements at Goodison Park.
A move for the 22-year-old never materialised and it was unknown how much game time Davies would be getting following the summer arrivals of Allan, James Rodriguez and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
But Davies played the full 90 minutes in the 4-2 win against Brighton earlier in the season after making short cameos against Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
He hasn’t played since then but he has been on the bench and would presumably be able to start against Fulham this weekend if Carlo Ancelotti selects him.
If Davies is selected it will be a huge opportunity for him to stake a place in the team and if he can help his side get back to winning ways he may give his manager a selection headache in future.
In other Everton news, we think that the new Bramley-Moore Dock based stadium is already benefitting the Toffees.