10 young players to watch

7 of 10

Tom Davies of Everton FC during the friendly match between FC Twente and Everton FC at sportpark De Stockakker on July 19, 2017 in De Lutte, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images) /

4. Tom Davies, midfielder, Everton

Depending on how you interpret Everton’s summer transfer activity, Tom Davies’ 2017-18 season could go one of two ways. Either the 19-year-old is primed for a breakout season or he is set to be lost in the flow amid all the new faces.

Davies played himself into breakout candidacy by impressing in limited appearances last season. The gifted attacking midfielder scored twice and provided three assists in the league, per WhoScored.com.

He’s well thought of enough for Chelsea manager Antonio Conte to reportedly be considering a bid, per Alex Terrell of The Sun.

Yet despite the fanfare, Davies’ place in Everton’s starting XI is far from certain. Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has already spent big to add Davy Klaassen from Ajax.

Klaassen is technically gifted and has a keen eye for goal. However, he showcased those talents from increasingly deeper positions as his Ajax career progressed.

It’s conceivable the Netherlands international will form a midfield three with holding players Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye. If so, it will be hard for Davies to earn the playing time he needs to further his development.

One silver lining for Davies is Koeman’s willingness to move on from Ross Barkley. Koeman has confirmed he expects Barkley to leave this summer, per Andy Hunter of the Guardian.

Selling Barkley would create space for Davies to continue showing Koeman his worth in the final third.