Kevin Kilbane backs Tom Davies to continue to thrive under Sam Allardyce

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The Everton midfielder has been deployed in a more advanced role under the former England manager and is enjoying a purple patch.

Everton midfielder Tom Davies has been backed by former Toffees star Kevin Kilbane to continue thriving under current boss Sam Allardyce.

Davies, 19, scored in Everton’s weekend victory over Crystal Palace and is enjoying playing in a more advanced midfield role under Sam Allardyce.

The Palace game marked Davies’ 50th Premier League appearance, not bad for an academy graduate who only made his debut in April 2016.

Since Allardyce’s appointment, Davies has grown into his attacking midfield role, having been used previously as more of a central or even deep lying midfielder at times, and his recent performances have led to former versatile Everton player Kilbane singing his praises.

Kilbane believes Davies’ ‘rawness’ and ‘unpredictability’ are his greatest strengths, and highlights these unique qualities as the key behind why he will continue to thrive in Allardyce’s preferred advanced role.

Speaking to the official Everton club website, Kilbane said: “I have liked Tom since he broke into the side. He brings a rawness to the team and some unpredictability, as well.

“Tom is excellent on the ball and can play a specific role – he can play according to the manager’s needs.

“Once you get to 50 games and beyond, more is expected of you – and there is a bit of pressure attached to that.

“And as he gets better and better through his career, which I expect him to, he has to live up to those expectations and manage the burden which comes with them.”

Pressure aside, however, the former Everton man believes Goodison Park is the perfect environment for Davies to continue developing, especially with Allardyce demonstrating his willingness to put full trust in his youth players.

So far the former Bolton Wanderers manager has called upon 13 players who are aged 21 or under, a fairly remarkable statistic considering he has only been in the job for approximately three months.