Marcel Brands needs to take more control over Everton's philosophy if the Toffees are to progress, according to journalist Paul Brown.
Brands was appointed as the Merseyside outfit's director of football in May 2018, but Everton have failed to challenge for a place in the Premier League's top four since.
What's the latest news involving Brands?
The 59-year-old headed to Goodison Park having gained huge amounts of experience in his homeland of the Netherlands, where he held similar roles at PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar and RKC Waalwijk.
Brands developed a reputation for developing players and building clubs, with his hard work behind the scenes playing a key role in PSV winning three Eredivisie titles in four seasons during his stay with the Dutch giants.
As his Everton contract neared its expiry during the summer, Brands was rewarded with a fresh three-year deal in April, keeping him at Goodison Park until 2024.
Brands went on to officially be appointed to three new board roles in June, meaning he now enjoys even more responsibility.
The Dutchman plays a key role in making managerial appointments as well and Rafa Benitez, who was installed as Carlo Ancelotti's successor during the summer, became the fourth boss to walk through the Goodison Park doors since Brands' arrival.
What has Paul Brown said about Brands?
Brown believes Brands needs to give more input as to how the club in run top to bottom if Everton are to challenge for silverware.
The journalist has called on Brands to keep a close eye on the exciting young talent coming through the Toffees' ranks.
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Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "I just think a better way to run the club would be to let the director of football pick the identity, style of play and the type of player that's needed for each position.
"Let that run from the youth team right the way through to the first team.
"Then you know when a player gets injured in the first team, there's a ready made replacement coming through in the academy."
Has Brands been criticised for Everton's underwhelming start to the season?
BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty recently criticised Brands' role in Everton's summer transfer business, describing his policy as 'flawed' and 'ridiculously expensive'.
The Toffees were the lowest spenders in the Premier League, parting with less than £2million.
Demarai Gray was the only player Everton spent any money on, with Andros Townsend, Salomon Rondon, Asmir Begovic and Andy Lonergan not costing a penny.
But the lack of spending has not necessarily paid off as they currently find themselves in mid-table and also suffered an early Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Championship side Queens Park Rangers.