TOFFEE TOM HOPES TO BE NEW STEVIE G
25 November 1970 v East Germany 12 February 2003 v Australia 1 September 1996 v Moldova
31 May 2000 v Ukraine
20 May 1962 v Peru
28 March 2001 v Albania
10 October 1999 v Belgium
19 April 1958 v Scotland 28 September 1946 v N Ireland 6 February 1980 v Rep of Ireland
vEuro U21 qualifying, Friday, KO 6pm
TOM DAVIES has set his sights on being the new Steven Gerrard.
The Everton midfielder, 21, has been compared to the Liverpool and England great for his box-to-box game following his goal in the 2-1 win at Southampton last weekend.
Now Davies wants to emulate the Reds legend in the blue of Everton and the white of England.
“He was a quality player,” said Davies, who is with the England Under-21s squad preparing for the Euro U21s qualifier away to Albania on Friday night.
“Being compared to him is just good to hear. He is a local lad – around the city everyone knows him. If I can do that for Everton, that’s the idea. I’d love to do that.
“I wouldn’t say I’m exactly the same as him but, in my head, I know I can be a top quality player. My main focus is improving my game.
“It’s about reaching the potential I have. It’s in my hands to dictate that.”
Davies started off as an attacking midfielder, rampaging forwards, but has looked equally as happy in the anchorman role.
He said: “I was always a box-to-box midfielder as a kid. That’s my position. But this role I’ve been playing for England suits me well. I’m happy doing either. I don’t mind.
“I can do that. When I first broke into Everton’s team, it was in that attacking position – put me anywhere in midfield and I’ll be happy.”
Davies is just four games short of 100 appearances for the Toffees, but his goal at St Mary’s was only his fifth for the club.
“I’m always looking to improve and goalscoring is definitely an area where I can – whether it be scoring or assisting,” he admitted.
“A goal at the weekend shows I can do it. I want to do it more often.”
After his goal, Davies received a text of congratulations from Andre Gomes, who is recovering after his dislocated ankle.
“He texted me after the game saying ‘Well done’ for the goal,” added Davies. “He’s doing well and, hopefully, he might be able to get back before the end of the season.
“We’re all gutted for him. But he’ll come back stronger than ever – that’s the type of lad he is. As for me, I’m just looking to stay in the team.
“Andre and me were playing together in the middle. That was down to us both doing well in training – we had a good partnership.”