Allan and Jean-Philippe Gbamin return could hurt £15 million Everton man

Everton midfielder Tom Davies could see his game time reduce drastically as Allan and Jean-Philippe Gbamin inch closer to return.

Tom Davies was seen as a young and blazing gem of a player with loads of potential. His shot to prominence was rewarded by Roberto Martinez, handing him a senior Everton debut. He quickly became an important player in Martinez’s squad. Fast forward to 2021, it is not even a bar debate whether Davies has lived up to the potential or not. He always had the talent but never fully maximized it and put it to use.

The academy product has juggled between several roles but failed to fix a spot. His last couple of years has been an unstoppable slump with occasionally bright displays here and there. When he arrived in the Premier League circuit, he was seen as an energetic, powerful and thirsty youngster wanting to make a difference from the middle of the pitch. Now, he often looks like a lost kid in the park, not aware of how to function in the Everton system.

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Many Everton fans called for his sale last summer but owing to lack of depth and belief that Carlo Ancelotti can revive Davies, the Englishman stayed at Goodison Park. Recently, Allan’s injury was seen as the best opportunity for Davies to rise to the occasion and prove his doubters long. However, the 22 year old has done too little to suppress that notion.

In a completely fit and sharp squad, Ancelotti chooses Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure as the go-to midfield duo whereas Tom Davies and Andre Gomes often find themselves on the bench. Allan’s injury paved way for Davies to have a short run of starts in the team but it has been the same old story.

The 22 year old looks unconvincing and despite a few moments of brilliance, Davies doesn’t offer assurances mainly due to his turbulent and volatile performances. For a moment he’ll look like the best player on the pitch and in the very next second, he’ll commit to a sloppy mistake, angering everyone.

Allan is said to be close to a return whereas Jean-Philippe Gbamin is also inching closer to full fitness. The Ivorian has endured one of the worst possible injury spells that kept him away from the football field for almost a year and a half. Once Allan returns, Davies will make way for the Brazilian in the starting lineup whereas Gbamin’s return could further push the 22 year old down the pecking order.

Gbamin won’t be rushed but will be given opportunities to find back his rhythm, hinting at possible substitute appearances at first. Gomes too is going through a rough patch and finds himself in a similar position but would be ahead of Davies in the preference list for sure. Davies can’t argue that he hasn’t been given chances to prove his worth and talent. Once anticipated to be a midfield general, he has now withered to being a fringe player.

With a double boost for Everton in midfield, Davies could see his playing time get drastically cut short.