Former Everton ace has only played 125 minutes since summer Goodison exit

Follow us on Google Discover

When Tom Davies brought an end to his long spell as an Everton player last summer – joining newly-promoted Sheffield United on a free transfer – he did so with the hope of kick-starting a career which had stalled during the previous seasons. 

Unfortunately, thanks to the injury issues which have restricted the midfielder to just 125 minutes of Premier League football, the optimism he brought to Bramall Lane has been sorely tested over the last few months.

“That’s the dilemma now,” Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder said after Tom Davies – who was once likened to Steven Gerrard back on Merseyside – made a brief cameo during last week’s 1-0 defeat against Wolves.  

“When do we go with Tom and give him his first start under me? Talking in old money, we’d have loved him to have a couple of reserve team games but the situation with that is a little bit more difficult and complex.” 

Tom Davies left Everton last summer

Davies is not only awaiting his first start under Wilder, but his first start as a Sheffield United player.

This isn’t to say the former England under-21 international is not proving to be a valuable member of Wilder’s roster, however, with Davies’ personality and ‘experience’ proving helpful, even if a destined-for-the-drop Blades side certainly could have done with the midfielder showcasing those attributes on the pitch more regularly. 

“He’s been bright around the place,” Wilder adds. “He’s another player the club have missed hugely with his Premier League experience. But he’s been around the group which is good.

“He’s a real good character and personality. Him being around the group and speaking and having the feel of a Premier League player in your ranks is beneficial. And more beneficial when we can get on the pitch, and even more beneficial when we can get him to start a game.” 

Things may be looking up at last

Having come off the bench in each of Sheffield United’s last four top-flight matches, the hope is that brighter days are around the corner. Perhaps that long-awaited first start could finally arrive on Monday, when Wilder’s side host title-chasing Arsenal at Bramall Lane.