Everton fans keeping abreast of the latest behind-the-scenes content from Finch Farm will have noticed Dele Alli taking a central role.
The January deadline day arrival is someone that Frank Lampard worked desperately to bring to the club in the hours after his official confirmation as manager on the same day. Having hugely stalled in his career at Tottenham Hotspur, the chance to move to Everton was a sign of a new challenge, and maybe a fresh start, for Dele.
However, Blues boss Lampard was still keen to temper expectations initially at the very least. And he was quite right, nobody should really have expected to see the attacking midfielder instantly return to form thanks to a change of scenery, but we all know that the impatience of modern football often takes over in these circumstances.
READ MORE: Kevin Thelwell's Everton transformation continues as Finch Farm masterplan becomes clear
READ MORE: Everton transfer target Armando Broja 'wants' to leave Chelsea as contract offer 'prepared'
In March, with Dele still waiting for his first start for his new club, Lampard remarked: "I don't think we have to panic, to rush. When we signed Dele I certainly saw it as a long-term plan because I really have that massive belief in him as a player. At the moment he has contributed and he has to be patient and wait for his time at the start. It is a shame that two of the games I have been here for, and I haven’t been here long, have been FA Cup games in which he cannot play.
"It would have been great to get him minutes in those games and at the moment there is competition in that area and it is just a matter of time and about being a bit patient and when he comes in it is about delivering. He has got huge talent, his attitude has been great, he has been available for four games and he has come on in all of those and made an impact. His time will absolutely come to start games."
Well, that time is surely now around the corner.
Joining a new team midway through a campaign is tough for most players, never mind someone who had struggled for regular game-time at his previous club. It was not only in terms of match fitness, though. Lampard had to focus on Dele to rebuild any confidence that might have been lost through his extended time on the bench - whether that be with Spurs or in his opening months at Everton.
Throughout that waiting period, the manager kept the faith in his signing. He never wavered from his belief that the new arrival on Merseyside could make an impact. And perhaps Evertonians got their first real glimpse of that in the most important match of their season. At 2-0 down and with the looming spectre of relegation feeling sickeningly ominous, Dele was introduced at half-time against Crystal Palace tasked with changing the game.
No small feat. But, it's a challenge that he stood up to with courage and determination. His introduction was a catalyst for change in what was an incredible fightback from the Blues. Dele was not just an attacking influence, but defensively as well he was crucial - making three recoveries, one tackle and another clearance.
Among the wild celebrations after the match, the praise from fans on social media was gushing for Dele. Lampard himself hoped it could be a lift for his player.
And that should now be a springboard for Dele to really cement his place in the side from this season onwards. With a full pre-season under his belt, this might be the time where expectations are allowed to be a little higher with regards to the England international.
Of course, expecting his very best levels from the past is still a way off, and Lampard will no doubt urge fans not to get ahead of themselves in that sense. But there's little question the opportunity is absolutely there.
Everton could well see a revamp of their midfield over the course of the summer. It's an area of the pitch that was certainly a cause for concern on many occasions last season. Creativity and goals from those positions were an issue - as was defensive solidity at the other end of the pitch.
In terms of those former qualities, though, they could fit right into Dele's skillset. Playing a three-man midfield, for example, could see him given something of a free role as an attacking midfielder, and sometimes even playing high enough to be considered a second striker, arguably his best position on the pitch.
Even when not at full match fitness he showed glimpses of those creative talents, not least with a fantastic cross to find Salomon Rondon against Leeds United that almost produced a fantastic goal. The Blues need someone who can produce that bit of magic from the centre of the pitch, and perhaps the 26-year-old might see himself contending with Alex Iwobi or another new signing for that place in the team.
However, some reports have suggested Dele is looking strong in these early pre-season training sessions - and the behind-the-scenes footage already released would back that up. He'll surely know how crucial this summer could well be.
This isn't a "last chance" per se as he remains relatively young - even if it seems he's been in the limelight forever. But, Everton are longing for someone to grab those creative reins with both hands and guide the club forwards over the coming season.
Dele has a real opportunity to live up to Lampard's expectations, and prove why the manager was so eager to bring him to Merseyside along with him when he joined.
READ NEXT
Everton plans after departure of Duncan Ferguson from key role
Peter Kenyon consortium release statement regarding Everton takeover talk 'regrets'
Frank Lampard makes blunt Everton recruitment point and reveals plan for academy stars
Armando Broja connection could be key to Everton life without Richarlison
Incredible opportunities to work on Everton new stadium project at Bramley-Moore Dock released
