Southampton: MBE award a reflection of Steven Davis’ importance

Southampton and Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis received an MBE for his services to football on Tuesday, and the award really outlines his importance to both his club and his country.

Davis was presented with his MBE by Prince William in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace in recognition of what has already been an excellent career for the 32-year-old, and there could potentially be a lot more to come.

Speaking to premierleague.com after the ceremony, Davis said:

"“There were a few nerves going in there. I’d rather go out and play on a pitch any day of the week, but it was a very special experience and something that I’ll cherish forever.We (footballers) are in a privileged position to be able to help, whether that’s in the community or something else. It’s just about trying to maximise and use that position to the best of your ability.”"

He is due to win his 100th cap for Northern Ireland when they face Switzerland in their World Cup qualification play-off first leg on 9th November, and currently sits third in their all-time cap winners table. After captaining his country at Euro 2016, Davis is on course to eclipse Pat Jennings’ leading Northern Ireland total of 119 caps in the future.

The central-midfielder has also made 527 club career appearances to date, with 205 coming for Southampton. This total makes Saints the club that he has played most games for, ahead of Rangers, Aston Villa and Fulham respectively. He always represents his club and country with pride and passion, and has become a great role model in the way he conducts himself in everyday life.

Because of this, he is invaluable for Southampton. He will have been an example to many of the Saints youngsters trying to break through to the first-team and even first-team players themselves. Having also stuck with the club when so many players have left over recent years, he will also be able to appreciate its values and just how much it means to the fans.

Consistency is key to Davis’ game, and leaders such as him are vital in a team going through a bad patch, much like Saints at the moment. He is the club captain for a reason, and characters will be needed in the next matches to turn their form around.

Mario Lemina’s recent absence has lead to Davis regaining his place, but he certainly hasn’t done much wrong when called upon this campaign. He provides a drive from midfield for Saints that they don’t always have and is often the potential link between the strikers and the rest of the team.

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In his ten appearances for Saints so far this season, he has an 86% pass completion rate and has created 14 scoring chances. He is also able to weigh in with defensive contributions too having made 16 clearances, three blocks, five interceptions and 13 tackles. Two goals against Crystal Palace and Brighton mean he is well on track to beat his previous Saints season best goals tally of five in 2015/16.

No matter how the rest of this season plays out for Southampton, they are lucky to have a model pro such as Davis to call on, and he will be vital to their’s and Northern Ireland’s future growth.