The talented Everton youngster has been unable to perform consistently this season
Given that Everton have already been knocked out of the Europa League you could be forgiven for thinking that Thursday’s game at home to Atalanta is a mere dead rubber for David Unsworth’s side.
For midfielder Tom Davies, however, the fixture is likely to carry an extra sense of significance as the 19-year-old looks to recapture the form that saw him break into the Everton first-team in spectacular fashion last season.
Like many of his Everton team-mates, Davies has found matters rather tough this campaign, with the club already concerned about the threat of relegation.
In recent weeks Davies has been in and out of the starting line-up but Unsworth, who is still in temporary charge following the dismissal of Ronald Koeman, is likely to give the prospect an opportunity to impress from the outset against Atalanta.
With Everton not in a must-win situation on Thursday, Davies may find himself under less pressure than in a Premier League fixture and will hope to be afforded more space so that he can demonstrate his excellent passing range.
If Davies can start to perform with consistency again then he will provide Everton’s new permanent manager, when they are eventually appointed, with a very useful extra option in midfield.
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