In an exclusive column for evertonfc.com, Tom Davies previews Wednesday evening's Goodison Park clash with Leicester City, reveals how Carlo Ancelotti's tactical expertise gives the team the belief "we can win every game we play" and reflects on his journey from joining Everton's Academy as an 11-year-old to becoming an established first-team player...
We’re back at Goodison tonight for our game against Leicester, which is a very important one as we continue our push for European qualification.
We’ve had two games behind closed doors so far and it does take some getting used to.
The derby, especially was odd, because you’re used to Goodison being absolutely bouncing, with the crowd getting behind you with every tackle and every moment in the game. It gets you going.
But you have to adjust and we’ve done well since the restart. We want to keep up that momentum tonight.
Leicester have had a brilliant season but it’s a chance for us to go up against a strong side and show how good we are.
We’ve got better as the season has gone on and I feel we’ve progressed a lot since the new manager has come in.
The way he sets us up makes us feel like we can beat anyone.
Working under him is a privilege and I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him.
Everybody knows how much of a legend he is in football – as a player and a manager. His knowledge for the game is brilliant.
Being in his training sessions and seeing how he sets the team up to playing certain sides… it’s great for me to be able to learn and work with him.
He’s not one to scream and shout but he demands a lot from you. We all know what he wants and how hard he wants us to work, it’s all about putting the team first.
And no matter how well or badly you are playing, you have got to put 100 per cent in.
I’m looking forward to seeing how far we can go with the manager in charge. We’ve got quality in the squad, great coaching staff and great fans. These are exciting times for the Club.
We’ve got a very young team but a lot of experience, too, which is important.
If we can stay together and build on what we’ve got, we’re only going to get better as a group and as individuals.
We’ve seen Anthony Gordon get his chance and he’s been quality this year.
He works hard in training every day and he’s great to have around. He’s always having a laugh - he brings that youthful energy and he’s also a quality player. He’s deserved his opportunity and I’m very excited to see how well he can do in the first team.
I think Anthony joined Everton aged 11, which is the same age I joined the Academy.
Everton has been a part of my life for as long as I’ve known.
My family brought me up playing football and my uncle, Alan Whittle, has won the title with Everton.
It was always going to be Everton for me.
It’s great that I can live that childhood dream of playing for the first team.
I turned 22 on Tuesday and I’m made up that I’ve been able to make 98 Premier League appearances at this stage of my career.
There have been a lot of people who have helped me a lot to get where I am today.
David Unsworth was a massive influence on my career. When I joined the Under-23s I was still a boy, really, but he got me working harder, toughened me up and got me into the first team.
Duncan Ferguson gave me my first start in the Under-18s - he was brilliant - and now it’s great to be working with him in the first team set-up.
I’ve loved every minute of my time at Everton and I’ve learned a lot.
I’ve had some great times and I’m looking forward to what the future holds.
