View: Tom Davies improving year after year and now thriving in new Everton role
Tom Davies has looked rejuvenated in recent weeks and that is partly due to Carlo Ancelotti placing more responsibility on the Everton man.
He had big shoes to fill when he came into the side to replace Allan, but has now found his feet after initially taking a while to settle in.
Davies was superb against Liverpool last week and frustrated the likes of Thiago and Georginio Wijnaldum, while also keeping a close eye on Roberto Firmino.
It is a role he has performed superbly in recent wins and Ancelotti deserves a lot of credit.
When Davies first came into the team as a teenager he was a bundle of energy, and his superb solo goal against Manchester City in his debut year perhaps led some to overestimate his ability.
He should not be expected to contribute to the attack, particularly now he is playing in a deeper role under Ancelotti.
His task is to act as a screen for the defence and he is very effective at it.
Per Sky Sports, the 22-year-old has averaged 4.8 tackles and interceptions per game and won the ball back 6.8 times per 90 minutes.
He has improved his output in both departments compared to last season.
In fact, Davies has improved season after season both on and off the ball.
In 2015/16 the midfielder lost the ball an average of 15.6 times per game (Sky Sports) – he has brought that number down consistently and is now at 10.8.
Also, Davies has increased his successful dribbles from one in previous seasons to 1.6 this term, and is now dispossessed just 1.2 times per match – compared to 3.4 previously.
He has shown a willingness to learn and it appears Ancelotti has influenced him well.
There is no over-thinking in possession or an attempt to play beyond his capabilities.
Instead, he wins the ball back and finds a more creative outlet like James Rodriguez or Lucas Digne.
The likes of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey have earned considerable praise this term but they will be appreciative of the role Davies fulfils.
We are keen to see him grow and improve even further in the remainder of the season, but there is little doubt that this run in the team is having a profound effect on his game.
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