Something must have happened between Nathan Patterson and Frank Lampard - because there's no other explanation for the situation he finds himself in.
That's the view of pundit Gabby Agbonlahor who says it's a "strange one" for the Scotland star to be frozen out while Seamus Coleman remains in the team.
Patterson has played just 45 minutes for Everton since his January arrival from Rangers with both Coleman and Celtic flop Jonjoe Kenny both preferred at right-back.
He was hooked at half-time of his only appearance so far with Lampard criticising his inability to break the lines.
The Everton boss has since clarified those comments saying on Wednesday that Patterson is a player for "now and the future."
But he's also called for patience as the 20-year-old looks to break into the team.
Pundit Agbonlahor though reckons there must be more to it than his performance, theorising that something must have happened behind the scenes.
He's branded it a "strange one" and believes Patterson must have more to offer than the ageing Coleman.
He told Football Insider : “Something’s happened with Patterson. He's a new signing and normally all players get a chance with the new manager.
“Maybe something happened there with Lampard and he’s decided not to have him involved.
“It’s a strange one, there must be something that we don’t know. He’s a good player and Coleman has not been the same player recently. Lampard must have his reasons.”
