It felt as though Abdoulaye Doucoure was embarking on the fifth distinct spell of his Everton playing career on Saturday.
The first, after signing for the club, was doing an effective job as a jack-of-all-trades on the right of a midfield three. His main modus operandi was covering for the floating James Rodriguez, who wandered infield off the flank and left Seamus Coleman exposed.
The second came after an injury lay-off, when Doucoure was parachuted back into the team in an attempt to inject momentum into Everton's faltering European push. It was too soon for the player, who was clearly undercooked, and too late for the Toffees, as they slipped to 10th.
The third was the best phase, when Doucoure flew out of the traps at the start of this season, reenergised by a break and some positional liberation from Rafael Benitez.
And the fourth? It was a short stint, bookended by injuries midway through the current campaign and once again triggered by an under-pressure manager bringing an excellent footballer back into the fold a little too soon.
So two good spells and two indifferent spells in Royal Blue for the Frenchman, with the latter duo predated by injury problems.
READ MORE: Mike Riley rings Frank Lampard and Bill Kenwright to make double Everton apology
READ MORE: Frank Lampard drops Everton changes hint and explains what is a 'big deal' for his players
Subsequently, some concern was warranted when Frank Lampard drafted Doucoure back into the team on Saturday against Manchester City.
For a player that has taken time to find his groove after lay-offs in the past, facing a midfield so technical, energetic and intelligent would have been a gamble. Even if Everton played to their maximum, off the ball there was going to be a lot of work to do.
But this time, Doucoure hit the ground running.
The 29-year-old was effervescent, providing Everton with a positivity and purpose that had been absent in recent weeks. His loping stride and ball-carrying quality gave the Blues a valve against the City pressure, while off the ball he was typically diligent.
"He was incredible," said Lampard after the game. "I was a big admirer before I came, so to have him injured was disappointing.
"To see him produce that level of output and performance against the best team in the league was great. It is a big plus to have him back."
Although it is still early days in Doucoure's recovery, for the first time since being at Everton he returned as if he had never been a way.
As much as that may be down to the rehabilitation work done by the medical staff and the patience of Lampard to hold the player back until he was fully fit, the way in which the Toffees went about their business made it easier for the France youth international, too.
Not only does Lampard's high-pressure approach align well with Doucoure's endless energy reserves, the 4-3-3 setup also meant there was a cohesion and balance to Everton's midfield that had vanished since the player's early weeks at Goodison Park.
Allan may not be a natural No.6, but the Brazilian sniped and snarled at the base of the midfield trio, while Donny van de Beek slotted seamlessly ahead, alongside Doucoure.
The Dutchman's precise playing style a#nd appetite to effect the game makes him a fine foil for every player in his vicinity. He gets it, gives it and wins it.
Doucoure was clearly one who benefitted from his presence and although Lampard has shown he is willing to be flexible with formations, an enterprising 4-3-3 may be the best way to not only unlock the best of the former Watford man, but ensure his workload isn't too heavy on his latest comeback.
The midfielder's early-season form was one of a scattering of highlights in a campaign of many lulls for Everton.
If the likes of Van de Beek, Allan and Lampard can help expedite the return of that player - who is one of the best box-to-box operators in Premier League football - then Everton will suddenly look multifaceted in a portion of the pitch where they have long been one-dimensional.
