For example, Davies is not too egotistical to criticize himself. After his debut match for Villa in the League Cup against Leicester (where Villa lost 1-0), here’s what he said about his own performance:
“I was just awful. I didn’t contribute anything. I’ve been bigging myself up, saying I’m ready and obviously I’m not. I’m not good enough to get in the team yet. I’m honest with myself in every performance and that was rubbish – I looked like a pub team player.”
And here’s what Davies thinks about the exorbitant wages that footballers are paid:
“I think it’s ridiculous the amount of money footballers get paid, right across the leagues. It’s ridiculous that a sport can generate so much money for those who kick a ball around to get paid millions.”
The difference with Davies is that he’s not afraid to express his opinions and speak from the heart. Plus he’s sharing interesting thoughts rather than repeating the obvious.
If Davies is half as good the player as he is the spokesperson, keep an eye out for him this season. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing him grow as a player on the pitch where West Brom fans have been raving about him for ages.
If I was an executive at BBC, Setanta or Sky, I would be laying the groundwork to have Davies signed as a pundit after his playing career comes to an end. With uncensored thoughts like the ones he’s sharing above, Davies could be England’s answer to Ireland’s trio of Eamonn Dunphy, Johnny Giles and Liam Brady.
