What Dreams Are Made Of

TOM DAVIES has enjoyed a memorable 2016/17, WITH A SERIES OF impressive DISPLAYS, ALONG WITH HIS FIRST EVERTON GOALS. FOLLOWING a HAT-TRICK of awards AT THE DIXIES, THE TEENAGER looks baCK ON HIS year, AND talks about HIS EXCITEMENT AT THE CHALLENGES AHEAD

- Rob Urbani

It’s 11pm on Tuesday evening and backstage at the Philharmonic Hall, dressed smartly in a dark turquoise suit, Tom Davies is trying his best to balance three mini-models of Dixie Dean in his hands and under his arms.

A beaming smile decorates the midfielder’s face and, mid-interview, he pauses for a brief exchange with Romelu Lukaku. “Congratulations! All the best, it’s well deserved,” says the Belgian as he makes his way towards the exit after the Club’s End Of Season awards ceremony.

The pair have been the night’s big winners, scooping five accolades between them.

Lukaku heads for home with two trophies of his own - the Players’ Player and Player of the Season accolades - while Davies departs with one more than his teammate, having been up on stage to deliver three acceptance speeches after winning the Young Player, Individual Performance and Goal of the Season honours.

The 18-year-old’s awards’ hat-trick represents staggering progress for a player who, prior to this season, had accumulated only 97 minutes’ worth of senior football.

“Obviously, I got my debut towards the end of last season [against Southampton] and I wanted to kick on from that but I never expected to be involved as much as I have,” he reflects. “So to get the memories and the awards that I have done is unbelievable.

“You have to believe in yourself to reach what you want. I’ve always had a dream and desire to get to this point, but for it to happen so quickly has been great.

“It was even surreal being at the event, when you see who’s there and everyone who has wanted a picture with me. Walking on the blue carpet and interacting with all the fans, it’s been a great feeling.”