Everton will be losing one of their key men this month.
During an interview with the club’s official website, established Everton star Leighton Baines was adamant that youngster Tom Davies can fill in for the soon-to-be departed Idrissa Gueye, who is joining up with Senegal for the African Cup of Nations.
The 18-year-old midfielder has made six Premier League appearances for the Toffees so far this season, and started the first senior match of his career yesterday, during his side’s 3-0 win over Southampton.
Everton’s Leighton Baines celebrates
He impressed with his composure when in possession, and Baines backed the youngster to fill the void left behind by Gueye this month, as quoted by EvertonFC.com:
“With young players you expect energy and the work-rate to be good but on top of that you can see the quality. Tom Davies is a really important player for us. We are going to be missing Idrissa so between Tom and the other lads who are here – James McCarthy is coming back from injury – there is a good chance they will be needed.”
Everton’s Tom Davies
Yesterday’s win over the Saints was a crucial one for Everton, who have now won three and drawn one from their last five league outings.
And if they are to consolidate their position inside the top seven, they will have to hope that Davies performs to the level in which he did yesterday, during Gueye’s participation in the African Cup of Nations.
Next up for the Blues is their FA Cup clash with Leicester City, before they host Manchester City in the Premier League.
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