Tom Davies shortlisted for major European award

It’s been a big week for our favorite blonde-haired, short-socked youngster. Tom Davies scored the opening goal after just 30 seconds against Leicester City, and today he’s been nominated for the European Golden Boy award.

The award amounts to “best young player in Europe”. Marcus Rashford took home the hardware last season. The nominees opposing Davies are as follows:

Marcus Rashford, Renato Sanches, Gabriel Jesus, Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Christian Pulisic, Kasper Dolberg, Felix Passlack, Alexander Isak, Justin Kluivert, Luca Zidane

With Rashford and Sanches having regressed in terms of production this year, Monaco’s Mbappe is likely the heavy favorite, followed by Dembele or Pulisic. Gabriel Jesus’ chances will have taken a hit due to his serious injury.

Davies, though, can more than hold his own against the rest of the field. He’s been a mainstay in Ronald Koeman’s XI since Boxing Day, providing creativity and aggression that the midfield might have otherwise lacked with Ross Barkley’s move to the wing and Idrissa Gueye’s trip to the African Cup of Nations.

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Davies provided one of the highlights of the season with an audacious solo goal in the blowout victory over Manchester City, and he recently signed a new five year contract. With the futures of Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley in a state of flux, you could be looking at the next face of Everton Football Club.

In truth, it’s unlikely Tom Davies takes home the Golden Boy trophy, but the nomination is another landmark in what’s been a groundbreaking season for the homegrown midfielder.