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Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith
Whilst the headlines should have been centred around Everton's 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in midweek, as they progressed into the last eight of the Carabao Cup, they were instead centred around Jack Grealish.
The Manchester City man was overjoyed when he secured a return to Merseyside in the summer, securing a second loan move after impressing last season, but is yet to repay the faith handed to him by David Moyes.
Jack Grealish for Everton
Jack Grealish for Everton
His form could be forgiven after failing to score or assist in his first eight games back at the club. What may not be forgiven is the disciplinary issue which kept him out the squad against Newcastle.
Everton signed a serial winner who was handpicked by Pep Guardiola. What they have received is a blunt attacker who has thrown Moyes' trust back in his face.
Moyes must axe Grealish after discipline issue
When fit and firing, Grealish should be Everton's most important player. In a young attack, the Man City loanee should set the example even if that does not result in goals or assists. His game and his presence should drag the Toffees forward, as it did in the early stages of the last campaign.
Whilst young forwards like Thierno Barry continue to lead the frontline, however, Grealish is stealing the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
It remains to be seen why the winger missed training, before being dropped, but it's not the first time that he has been a no-show at Finch Farm.
Recent reports have claimed that Grealish has missed training several times, but still has belief from Moyes that he can turn it around. According to the Daily Mail, there were some doubts about re-signing him for another season, though the owners knew they wanted his 'razzle-dazzle'.
Jack Grealish and Everton manager David Moyes
Jack Grealish and Everton manager David Moyes
That spark is needed on the pitch. It provides Everton with a player of real calibre. Off the pitch, it has provided the Toffees with an unpredictable star. That is the last thing Moyes needs.
After the disciplinary issue, the Everton boss must cut ties and focus on an emerging wonderkid who could steal Grealish's place altogether.
Everton have teenage wonderkid waiting to replace Grealish
On paper, Grealish will be able to reflect on three Premier League titles, one Champions League and a historic treble whilst winning those honours.
In reality, he has lived a career which could end on the saddest of notes, having dropped away from City stardom and into the obscurity of Everton absences.
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Instead of making his move permanent, Everton should turn to their academy, where Jonathan Nsangou is waiting to emerge. The 16-year-old winger has stolen the show for the U18s, scoring four goals in four games. It has taken his record to 10 goals in 24 games in total. This is a player ready for the step up.
Nsangou has already made his debut for the U21s and a senior debut may not be many years away. In many ways, it would be a full-circle moment for Grealish if a young academy star eventually replaced him just as he replaced Aston Villa teammates when breaking through himself.
The task for Everton is to use Grealish's early career as an example to follow. It was back at Villa that he was exposed to first-team football from an early age, before thriving in the Championship to drag the Villans back to the top flight.
If Nsangou can earn similar opportunities in the coming years, then he may well replace Grealish and transform Everton's attack in the process.
So, even as one of Everton's most senior stars continues to be an issue off the pitch, they can take control of the narrative and provide a positive moment on the pitch. Whether Grealish is still on Merseyside when that moment comes remains to be seen, however.