This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Marco Silva has praised academy graduate Tom Davies and touched on the importance of bringing through homegrown talent at the club.
What did he say?
Davies started his first Premier League match of the season on Saturday, having made just two substitute appearances in the top-flight this season prior to the West Ham United win. The 21-year-old put in a memorable performance, helping register Everton’s first league win since early September.
Silva told the club’s website: “It is really important to me and you know even last season what we did with Tom, giving him more responsibility in some games and being our captain,” added Silva.
“I know how it is important for our fans to see him more. It is important to give chances to players from our Academy and it was very good to see Tom performing well.
“He had a very good game, in my opinion, disciplined and understanding the moments of the game to press the opponent, when to be more in control of the position as well.
“He played the second half on a yellow card (Davies was booked shortly after half-time) and he was controlled and managed that well.
“I was really pleased to see how he got the chance and had a good game.”
Davies turnaround could stimulate change
Davies’ start against the Hammers was the first time this season that Silva has started one of the club’s own in the league.
Many names from the youth squads have been making a lot of noise, such as Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms.
Gordon has scored six times in six goals so far for the U23s, providing two assists along the way. Considering that the goals have dried up for Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison, the 19-year-old may be playing his way into Silva’s plans this season.
Elsewhere, Mina’s injury could force Lewis Gibson into the squad, though his lack of experience is clearly a cause for concern. Silva needs to bleed in more youngsters to stop this happening in the future.
Davies will be looking to kick-start his career following the encouraging performance last weekend, and any future success could act as a potential blueprint for Silva to trust in more of the young talent at his disposal.