Cast your minds back to 2017 and you may recall claims of a training ground argument between David Unsworth and two of Everton’s players at the times.
Kevin Mirallas and Morgan Schneiderlin were dropped from the Toffees squad to face Watford in November of that year after reportedly walking out of training.
Unsworth accused the pair of a lack of commitment and told them to go inside if they weren’t prepared to take the session seriously.
Schneiderlin battled back against those claims, commenting that it hadn’t happened but a similar sort of situation is now unravelling again.
It’s not a regular first-team player in question but Rafa Benitez could be heading towards his first Everton disaster over promising young defender Thierry Small.
The left-back has been tipped for great things but has refused a new contract at Goodison Park.
He’s also refusing to return to Finch Farm for pre-season and instead of training with the squad, he is building his fitness with his own personal trainer.
The Toffees have offered Small the opportunity to become more of a part of the senior side, even handing him a locker in the first-team changing room at the training ground.
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However, it looks as though the 16-year-old is trying to engineer an exit. A host of sides have been interested in his services including Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Aston Villa.
Small has played once for the first team but it would be a great surprise if he ever builds on that tally. After all, with the youngster’s attitude like it is at the moment, he should have no future at the club.
Described as a “fantastic boy” by the aforementioned Unsworth, it’s safe to say the coach would not be too impressed with his attitude now.
Supporters have been left rather puzzled with the teenager’s decision making this summer. One fan said Small was a bad egg while others claimed his attitude was "embarrassing" and that it "stinks."
Harsh words but you can understand their point of view. Everton’s desire to entice a player to stay who is so intent on departing Goodison Park is strange but with the potential he possesses, you can see both sides of the coin.
This had the potential to be a key season in Small’s development but with his character being called into question, Benitez may as well sanction an exit.