Osman impressed by Davies’ growth at Everton

Former Everton player Leon Osman admits he has taken great pleasure in the form of youngster Tom Davies since his departure from Goodison Park last summer.

Romelu Lukaku may have been the one making the headlines for the Toffees this term, and was honoured last week with the Players’ Player and Player of the Season accolades.

But Davies left the club’s annual awards with one more trophy than his teammate after winning the Young Player, Individual Performance and Goal of the Season honours.

It was a remarkable hat-trick for a player who had managed only 97 minutes’ worth of senior football before this season, but Osman insists he knew the potential for success was always there with Davies.

“I saw Tom when I was at the Club in the last two or three seasons,” said 35-year-old Osman, who was released by Everton at the end of the 2015/16 campaign.

“He was developing; a young man and an obvious talent who had represented England at various levels. But you never know how they are going to step up to the first team.

“It was great to see that, when he did get that opportunity, he continued to play the same type of football.

“He wasn’t overawed by making that step up and to see him go from strength to strength, it has been enjoyable to watch.

“For him now, it’s about trying to achieve more. It’s about him trying to be the best young player again next season, about him trying to reach the 50-appearance landmark, the 75 and 100. He’s got to want to achieve more and not settling for what he has got.

“It’s great to get the rewards on the pitch but also the recognition off it, to show that the hard work – in Tom’s case, over the past seven or eight years – has been worth it.”