Tom Davies has revealed Sheffield United’s desire to use him in a more advanced midfield role was a big factor behind his decision to move to Bramall Lane. The 25-year-old joined the Blades on a free transfer last month after leaving his boyhood club Everton. Davies was named on the bench for their loss to Nottingham Forest but is still waiting to make his United debut.
Tom Davies said: “I’ve always seen myself as a box-to-box midfielder. When I first broke into the team at Everton, it was more to do with the attacking side and I would play a lot more offensively than the last few years where I dropped into a deeper role. That’s where I see myself playing [advanced] and Sheffield United have noticed that in me too. It was a big reason why I wanted to come here. He [Paul Heckingbottom] has seen the same things I see in myself and was really keen to develop them. The plan he showed me made sense. That development for myself and the confidence of backing my own game, that I know I have, was a massive reason I came here.
The Liverpudlian, capped 23 times by England’s Under-21s, signed a three-year deal with the Blades. Asked if this move represented a chance to experience a sense of security he has been lacking,
Tom Davies replied: “Yeah, you could say that. It’s hard for a footballer to reach their potential when they are constantly being changed around and there is people coming and going and you’re trying to make connections with different team-mates, different managers, different formations. For me, I think that [stability] is a big thing I need and just knowing I fit into a team and they want me to be here for the player I am. That then gives you the confidence to express yourself on the pitch.”
It is a fresh challenge or Davies, who fell down in the pecking order for a starting berth at Everton.
Tom Davies said: “It was a natural step for me to take and one I was happy to take because I want to look after myself first and put my career first. I think for me to come here, it was by doing that. It is always difficult leaving your first club and your boyhood club, but it’s one [decision] I am happy I’ve made and I’m glad to be here now.”
