In most teams there is always a player who is regarded as the ‘unsung hero’; it seems that everywhere Steven Davis has been he is regarded as this player. Steven Davis is a player that seems to have been around forever, popping up at vital times with vital goals and vintage performances. Still he is only 30 years of age and has still many years left in his tank. Considered the model professional, Davis never steals the headlines at club level; his work is recognised more at International football level captaining his Northern Ireland side and is regarded as the vocal point of that team.
In 2004 Davis made his debut for Aston Villa and was considered the future of the club, with many fans still often wondering why they let Davis sign for Fulham for 4 million. Eleven years Davis has played at the top level and has been through many stages of the Premier League era. Currently playing for Southampton he is enjoying a fantastic season thus far, scoring two goals in sixteen appearances. Despite all the ins and outs at the club in recent seasons, Davis has proved to be the trusted one; Pochettino firstly gave Steven Davis his confidence back and really got the best out of the player, followed by Ronald Koeman in the last two seasons. Koeman rewarded Davis with a four year contract last season. He has produced big individual performances this season against Chelsea and Bournemouth, showcasing his talents and with this has gained recognition from pundits and fans alike. Davis has a lot of fans non-more so that his fellow professionals, during his time in Scotland after he achieved his dream move to Glasgow Rangers in which he was rewarded with the SFA Players Player of the Year award, and it is easy to see why. His longevity and professionalism can only be admired and has characteristics that young players should aspire towards.
What Steven Davis has in character he has in ability. The ability to fulfil all roles in a midfield is an attribute that all managers would love to have in his team, centrally though is where Davis produces his best work. Box to box, holding the midfield or playing off the front man he can fulfil all these roles. The technical ability Davis presents on the ball is top class, despite the cries to use his left foot, the outside of the right foot skills he has is right up there with the best. This season Southampton has a number of midfield options, with the options of Jordy Clasie, James Ward Prowse, Victor Wanyama and Oriol Romeu so Davis has a real battle on his hands to keep his place in the first team, but he keeps playing the way he is that should not be a problem for the Northern Ireland skipper.
The biggest achievement to date in Steven Davis’s career must surely be the current achievement at International level with Northern Ireland. Gaining qualification for the country’s first European Championship will be a massive honour for Davis. His leadership and heart is clear for everyone to see when he is playing for his country though after scoring two goals against Greece to secure qualification, many see the quality he brings to the side. The game of football needs players like Davis, players who want to take control of games, make an impact on a game and more important perform for the team. Never in the spotlight Davis is a real example for the games younger players and the more under-rated you are potentially the more respect you will achieve from the game, Davis is one of them players that you notice when they aren’t playing. Southampton and Davis are showing signs of having a great season again, and both in their own way going under the radar.
