Many Everton fans have been left speculating over a claim made by Abdoulaye Doucoure on Rafa Benitez's tactics.
Speaking to The Liverpool Echo, the former Watford ace claimed that it is 'better' to play in a three-man midfield, rather than the two that Benitez has often played this season:
"I think sometimes when you play a three, especially some games where Andre (Gomes) came on, I think we played much better because we have more possession in midfield and have more numbers in the middle sometimes.”
Gomes was given the start alongside Allan in midfield in the FA Cup fixture at Hull City last weekend, but the manager has not deployed a three-man midfield since the 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace, where Fabian Delph started alongside Gomes and Doucoure.
This is not the first time that someone inside the club has challenged Benitez's tactics, as Lucas Digne reportedly had a row with the manager over how he was using him.
The left-back has now been sold to Aston Villa, and so members of the Goodison Park faithful are now speculating whether Doucoure will have the same fate, should he take up his claim with Benitez.
Nonetheless, it is a matter that should be discussed on the training ground behind closed doors, with a game away at Norwich City in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon to come.
Everton fans on Doucoure claim
These supporters of the Merseyside club speculated as the claim was shared on Twitter:
"That's him out the door"
"Another name to the transfer list."
"That’ll be him sold next"
"Bye Doucs"
"There’s Doucoure gone then"
"Benitez will probably sell him after seeing this"
In other news, find out what transfer update Blues have flocked to here!