Vlasic 'professional' about not being selected

I could be wrong here – maybe this is Unsworth's way of saying, "I didn't sign you and wouldn't have but sorry – you're not in my plans."

Funny how his sister, supposedly on social media (god I hate them words), is saying he's fine but the club is saying he's got a knock. Let's be honest, if Unsy stays as manager until the end of the season, then Nikola won't figure much. Shame really...

I'd like there to be room for both of them but I guess Unsworth feels he needs to make the team more 'solid' at least initially. Would love to see this team given a shot at home:

Pickford
Kenny. Keane Jagielka Baines
Davies Gueye
Lookman Siggurdsson Vlasic
Niasse

You could maybe swap in Rooney or DCL in for Gylfi but think the record signing deserves at least a few games run in his preferred position.

For Vlasic to not even make the bench is a dereliction of duty by Unsworth. Players need to be selected on form and ability and nothing else.
Vlasic has been a breath of fresh air. It pisses me off to see him treated this way.

But i'd like you to qualify your statement. What is he deluded about, in your opinion. What did he say that made you think 'he's delusional'?

Uncertain times at EFC, let’s see what happens this week.

If several of the U23 deserve a chance to develop then definitely Vlasic does as well. I hope Unsworth is not letting some form of parochialism prevent him from creating the best possible Everton team.

Still, it’s surprising not to see Vlasic in the squad.

I think a forward line of Vlasic, Niasse and Lookman would cause most team problems and then, with Calvert-Lewin on the bench, we would have the attackers we need.

Got to start getting rid of the old guard (Jagielka, Williams, Baines and Rooney) and start putting some speed and energy in the team.

Must be a terrible feeling when you think you are a cover for a certain position... then, when you think your chance has come, the manager then chooses someone to play out of position instead of you.

How can anyone put up with not playing? Does £40k a week lessen the blow? I would go back to the days of either no subs or for injuries only and bring back the reserve league; absolutely no chance of that happening. However, careers are either stagnating or being ruined by thoughtless coaches and managers.

But I also saw the Croatia vs Greece match couple of days ago, he came on in the 2nd half and actually looked a bit unfit compared to his team-mates, and was quite anonymous with the exception of one simply brilliant through ball that the striker failed to convert.

Still think it could be a very good player in him and hope he'll work hard and get his chances.

I am a big fan of Unsy, but this issue causes some concern. It shows he is either capable of negative bias which seems unlikely but not impossible, or possibly worse, he is being influenced by BK and or Walsh in his team selections. No-one wins in this, least of all Vlasic, who according to the majority of ToffeeWebbers has been possibly our best outfield player this season.

Over to you Unsy, review your conscience on this and do the right thing.

Vlasic came on with 7 minutes remaining in the second half and Croatia were 4 - 1 up - the contest done and dusted so to speak.

How you can tell he was unfit in 7 minutes is beyond me , he was never going to bust his bollocks when the match was over was he?

To me, the lad needs to be around the first-team squad. He is a Number 10 similar to a lot of others that we have. He is a victim of the transfer strategy or lack of over the summer. Why we needed to pile up Number 10s is beyond me and in my opinion gross misconduct on behalf of Walsh and Koeman.

I wouldn't be surprised if he joins Mustaphi, Materazzi and Dier as someone who leaves us and goes on to prove himself a star player elsewhere.