Baines: Davies’ Everton influence no surprise

Tom Davies’ first goal in Toffees colours was the perfect reward for a man who simply “is Everton”, according to teammate Leighton Baines.

The boyhood Evertonian scored the third goal in his side’s 4-0 drubbing of Manchester City on Sunday, a moment not even he thought possible as he collapsed in a heap in celebration.

That moment perfected a memorable afternoon at Goodison Park for the 18-year-old, with a helping hand in Romelu Lukaku’s opener just a small part of his man-of-the-match display.

But it was the Belgian who almost stole the limelight from the teenager with perhaps the faintest of touches as the ball crossed the line, but defender Baines admitted nothing was going to be taken away from a midfielder who undoubtedly bleeds blue.

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

“With his ability, you know what is there and what he is capable of, but he’s excelled when he’s got out there,” said Baines.

“You get some players who train well but flatter to deceive in a game because it can be a bit overwhelming and daunting as a young lad.

“But Tom is the opposite. He trains well but he finds another level when he gets out on the pitch and that is always the sign of a proper player.

“I see him working hard, I see him doing all the right things, we’ll come off the field and he’ll be in the gym, he’s got good support around him ­– he knows that – but he deserves all the plaudits.

“He’s a lovely kid, a great player and he’s Everton, he’s one of the ones we’ll all get behind.”