Tom Davies was handed the Everton captaincy in last Sunday’s defeat by Arsenal.
Davies was excellent for Everton as they dominated the first half but failed to capitalise on their opportunities and were eventually punished by the home side as the Gunners won 2-0.
Having the armband seemed to suit the 20-year-old midfielder. And long-term it could be a real boost to his confidence and help his development into the kind of dynamic attacking player that Blues fans thought he might be when he burst onto the scene in the 2016-17.
Davies had a struggle last season in his second season, as young players often do. This is an important campaign for him and to see if he can progress and build on his first debut season.
The Liverpool-born player was delighted at the opportunity to lead out his beloved Blues for the first time in a Premier League match but admitted in an interview with evertonfc.com that he was very frustrated with the outcome.
"“I thought we were very good in the first half and we are disappointed with the result,”“We created a few chances and had a good shape but if you don’t take your chances Arsenal will punish you. They scored a great goal and we just could not get back into the game.“If we had scored it would have given us something to hold onto. But they hit us with two sucker punches and it is a difficult one to take.”More from Prince Rupert's TowerEverton 0 Arsenal 1: Blues fall to third home defeatFurther chaos in Everton takeover as other lenders not keen on 777 PartnersEverton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on SundayMore madness at Everton as Moshiri now agrees to sell club to 777 PartnersEverton takeover talk cools after UK govt doubts and further questions"
It’s likely that the youngster will have many more chances to make his mark and could well nail down the armband if he can claim a regular starting place in the Blues team.
Everton need young players like Davies to step up and fulfil their potential.
Given the paucity of creative resources in the middle of the park, (at least until new signing Andre Gomes is finally fit to play), his passing, energetic running from midfield and goal threat are potentially very important in helping to further improve the team’s attacking options.
Everton certainly need more support from midfield to make the most of a much more dangerous and threatening forward line.
And Davies can certainly help to provide that helping take some of the pressure of new signings like Richarlison and Bernard.