Everton midfielder Tom Davies has insisted that his impressive breakthrough campaign last time out counts for little as he attempts to force his way back into Ronald Koeman's first-team plans.
The England Under-21s international became a regular fixture in the Toffees' side last season, featuring a total of 24 times in the Premier League.
Davies has had to contend with a number of new players being brought on board during a hectic summer of transfer activity, though, which he admits has now left him battling for regular playing time at Goodison Park.
"After Christmas, last season was good for me," the Liverpool Echo quotes him as saying. "But this year... there will be ups and downs. You just need to be ready for them. I think it is going to be a lot harder than it was last season, especially with the signings we have made. People expect it from you now.
"Although we are still young, we have had our breakthrough - that first season - so now you have to step up and do it all again, which I am sure will be tough. For us all, really, it is about trying to impress the manager again... as if you have just come into the squad. Last season is last season.
"The manager is focused on what is ahead - and that is like us. I do not think you get a place in the team off what you did last season. It is all about this season and proving yourself again. But it is a challenge you look forward to. I have reflected on last season with people close to me.
"We talked about that and we discussed what I needed to do this season and what it would be like. It is kind of tough to map it out because you do not know what is going to happen, but it is another test."
Davies has featured in all seven of Everton's top-flight outings this term, but just three of those have been starts.
Daniel Lewis
