Take yourself back to October 2, 2021 Evertonians.
The Blues had Rafael Benitez as manager, had just drawn 1-1 at Manchester United with a depleted squad and were heading into an international break sat fourth in the Premier League.
They also arguably had the then best midfielder in the division too - Abdoulaye Doucoure.
He was inspired in the early weeks of the 2021-22 campaign, with his surging run and pass to Andros Townsend for the Everton equaliser at Old Trafford encapsulating his colossal performance that day. After a frustrating first season at the club, he'd finally seemingly settled under Benitez.
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If someone had told you that evening that the former Watford man would be regularly coming off the bench for the Blues 15 months later, you'd be forgiven for thinking positively.
Perhaps the former Liverpool boss had expertly preserved the team's place in the Champions League spots, some stellar midfield signings arrived in the summer of 2022 and the excellent Doucoure had been shunted down the pecking order?
Well, it hasn't gone quite like that.
Doucoure has gone from a man the team couldn't do without to a figure current manager Frank Lampard has been quite happy to leave out.
Two weeks on from the aforementioned masterclass at Old Trafford, injury struck the Mali midfielder. It was the trigger for a collective and individual decline, with the team losing the next game 5-2 in calamitous fashion at home to Watford and Doucoure struggling to recapture a spark when he eventually returned. Neither club nor player have been the same since.
He did play some part in that season's torturous relegation battle, although the club made their intention clear the following summer with the signings of three central midfielders - James Garner, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye. With Alex Iwobi also converting to the position, the writing was seemingly on the wall for the 30-year-old.
But now, despite only starting two Premier League games this season, the Blues may well be forced to turn back to Doucoure.
Iwobi and Garner are both set to miss the rest of the month at least with injury, while questions remain regarding Tom Davies, in terms of his long-term future and suitability for Premier League football.
After some erratic cameos this season, Evertonians may have been wary about Doucoure coming into the side to replace the team's most energetic and creative player. Some fans were highly critical of the player after he appeared to be sat on the ball during the warm-up ahead of the 1-1 draw with Manchester City on New Year's Eve.
However, back at the scene of arguably his finest Everton display, Doucoure showed signs of life again on Friday. Coming on for Iwobi at Old Trafford, there was a thrust and positivity to the midfielder that has been scarce this season. It was the first time in a long time he'd resembled the dominant figure that was once so vital to the Toffees' fortunes.
Some Evertonians, cynical as we are, were quick to cast doubts over the motivation for this encouraging appearance. Perhaps, with his contract up in the summer, he was simply trying to put himself in the shop window?
After all, Fulham have been linked with Doucoure and the appeal of working under former Blues boss Marco Silva, who arguably got the best out of the midfielder at Watford, in a high-flying outfit would appeal.
Everton may have entertained a sale at the start of the month. Doucoure is not a first-team shoo-in, is a big earner and is arguably on the other side of his peak years. With the club keen to bolster attacking positions, his departure may have freed up vital funds to enliven a dormant attack. But with Iwobi sidelined, those plans will surely be shelved.
In the summer, the midfielder said he was keen to commit his future to Everton.
"With one year left, you want to know what is going on," he said. "But at the moment everything is a bit calm. Let's see before the end of the transfer window how it can change. Maybe the club have time to reflect on me and see how they want to plan with me in the future.
"I enjoy being here a lot. I want to commit to the club for the future. For three or four years more. I enjoy the atmosphere and have more to give to the club. Let's see if the club have the same reflections as me and we can work together."
The lack of minutes may have changed that standpoint and the player's own personal motivations may have changed too. But with the Blues deep in the relegation mire, short of midfielders and short of money, they quite literally cannot afford to be picky.
If Everton get a motivated and competent Doucoure, regardless of whether he is playing for a move this month or this summer, then that will have to do for now.
If Lampard gets the midfielder who shows up and shines at United on a semi-regular basis, the man who once couldn't be replaced at the heart of the Everton team may just be the answer to filling in for his stricken successor.
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