Goodison Tactics: Davies demonstrates brilliant ranged passing ability v Burnley
During his time as Everton manager, Carlo Ancelotti has yet to decide where Tom Davies should be playing on a regular basis.
While Allan was recently sidelined with an injury, the 22-year old thrived in a deeper role in midfield, though the Brazilian’s return saw Davies push wider against Burnley.
Ancelotti was forced to change his side’s shape early into the game against the Clarets after the travelling side scored twice inside half an hour, and that allowed Allan more freedom in transition.
It also further underscored Davies’ ability in the deeper role, with his long passing particularly standing out.
According to stats gathered by WyScout, Davies made five long passes against Burnley with each finding their target, and his range of distribution was there for all to see.
Davies’ first long pass from deep, finding Dominic Calvert-Lewin down the right channel.
Davies then demonstrated his long passing under pressure, clearing the ball from inside his own box to Calvert-Lewin on the half-way line.
Unfortunately for Everton on this occasion, the England international striker couldn’t control the ball and would go on to lose possession.
Davies later demonstrated his ability to pick out targets on the flanks, first chipping a ball over the top to Lucas Digne on the left side…
… before finding Mason Holgate open with a first-time chipped ball on the right side.
Finally Davies showcased his ability to create opportunity on the fast break, firing a long ball over the top of the defensive line for Calvert-Lewin to latch onto.
Unfortunately Calvert-Lewin once again couldn’t control the ball and knocked the ball on for Nick Pope to claim.
It remains to be seen whether Ancelotti would ever consider giving Davies an extended run in a deeper midfield role, but he has the ability to impress in that area.
He has the energy, he has the tenacity and as we can see from the images above, he has the passing ability to help the Toffees create and build from deep.
In other Everton news, Gareth Southgate is concerned that Jordan Pickford won’t be available to feature in England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.