This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

The Athletic's Patrick Boyland has praised Tom Davies for his leadership credentials after an inspiring performance against Southampton and hinted he is becoming a vital presence in the dressing room .

What did he say?

Over the last few weeks, the Toffees have managed to get themselves six points clear of the relegation zone. This comes after they managed to register two Premier League victories and one draw, whilst also advancing to the next round of the Carabao Cup.

Boyland has stated that a source close to The Athletic has explained how Davies has turned into a massive voice behind-the-scenes in these troubling times.

He wrote for The Athletic: "One source told The Athletic that, sensing confidence was dwindling, Davies has taken it upon himself to deliver rallying cries in the dressing room over the past month, showcasing a penchant for leadership fostered during his experience captaining all of England’s age-group sides."

Future captain

Everton have been in turmoil for most of this campaign, and as Andre Gomes picked up a horror injury, the midfield looked depleted of quality options. The form of both Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin has been below par, registering a 6.58 and a 6.16 rating respectively throughout.

As a result of these performances and the injury to a key man, Marco Silva needed someone to step up, and he seems to have found that reliable figurehead in Davies.

Davies has then gone onto play 96 times for Everton since graduating from the academy and has even worn the armband for his country at U21s level.

Clearly, the midfielder has the mental attributes to thrive in this Toffees squad.

His attitude on the pitch and his rallying cries within the dressing room are all indicators that suggest he could be a future Everton captain.

Now he has got his first goal of the season, the man in the middle could be set for an impressive spell in the side.