I think that's fair. We are looking at an 18 year old as well so it goes without saying he has to do better.
Look at all of our other midfielders, McCarthy, Schneiderlin, Gueye- however well they have done they are far from the complete players.
I think Davies will do fine. I've watched him from when he was a young player and never felt he'd be at Barkleys levels and has pleasantly surprised me. At Everton we have a tendency to want every player to be as good as Rooney. Bringing through local lads, even if they end up as squad men has an awful lot of merit. Be honest would you prefer to see squad positions filled by local lads like Davies, or players like Cleverley or to an extent your Nevilles of this world.
Alex Fergusan did many things very well, but understood having local lads brought through as squad players had an enormous value. Nicky Butt and Phil Neville got over 80 caps and many league medals from doing this.
I agree with you mate. Davies has completely surprised me how quickly, and easily, he has taken to the Premier league. He really has the lot as a midfielder, it's hard to believe he is only 18. He is very composed and comfortable on the ball, he plays with his head up, he is a good passer and looks for the early forward ball, he is two footed, he has an eye for goal, he can put his foot in, he can beat a player, his movement is good and he has a good engine in him. Above all, he seems to have his head on his shoulders and a really good attitude. I don't know where Davek is coming from when he say's he doesn't excel in any one area and I've asked him the question.
Having said all that, he's still only 18 and needs to have the proper balance of game time and rest. I personally wouldn't have started with him at the weekend. But I don't see a better 18 year old around in the premier league at the moment and I can see him developing into being a full England International of the future, not because of the tosh that often win caps, but because his game suits International football.
I also think it's wrong to compare him with Barkley who has different attributes and, in fairness, a different ceiling potential. I think Ross is one of those one in a generation players and, if he does fulfil his potential will become a world class player. No guarantee he will mind you. Whilst I don't believe Davies is capable of reaching those levels, I do believe he will have a a good career at International level and at a Champions League standard club. Hopefully us.