Tom Davies put in a good performance against Lyon to suggest he should start for Everton against Arsenal.
Ashley Williams of Everton (5) clashes with Lyon players after a challenge on Anthony Lopes of Lyon during the UEFA Europa League Group E match.
There weren’t many positives Everton could take from a 2-1 home defeat to Lyon which leaves them bottom of their Europa League group after three matches.
However, in a much changed side under manager Ronald Koeman, Tom Davies was given a start in midfield and showed why he received so many plaudits last season.
Tom Davies of Everton is chased by Kenny Tete of Lyon during the UEFA Europa League Group E match.
Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford was the only teenager that played more Premier League minutes than Davies last term and yet the 19-year-old has failed to kick on this time around with his opportunities having become more limited.
The England Under-21 international has not started any of the Toffees’ last three league outings, but showed in Europe why Koeman should include him for a crunch tie with Arsenal on Sunday (October 22).
Everton manager Ronald Koeman gestures on the touchline during the UEFA Europa League Group E match against Lyon.
Nearly all of the play going forward went through Davies, who unlike Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin – who have been primarily used in the middle this campaign – has more impetus when linking defence and attack.
Koeman clearly doesn’t know what his best team is after spending £144.9m (Telegraph) on new players over the summer, but instead of trying to force expensive talent into the starting XI perhaps he should show more trust in one of the academy’s brightest graduates.
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