Nikola Vlasic has aimed a swipe at former Everton boss Sam Allardyce, questioning whether his style of play 'could even be called football'.
The 21-year-old, who is currently on loan at CSKA Moscow, enjoyed a bright start to his Everton career after signing for Ronald Koeman in the summer of 2107.
But after the Dutchman was sacked and eventually replaced by Allardyce, Vlasic found himself out of favour and struggling for playing time.
He made just seven appearances in all competitions under Allardyce, who failed to get the fans onside despite leading the Toffees away from trouble and to an eighth-place finish in the Premier League.
'Everything changed after (Ronald) Koeman left,' Vlasic told Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti.
'The football played under Big Sam was awful, if it could even be called football.
'In such football I do not have a place. The football team was terrified by everything – the fans mostly.'
Vlasic, who has impressed at CSKA Moscow with seven goals in 20 appearances, also had his say on Everton's transfer business, which has seen the club spend over £250million in the last two seasons.
And the former Hadjuk Split starlet believes his parent club will continue invest in new talent after aiming to become the 'new Tottenham' by challenging for the title and reaching the Champions League.
'Everton has spent £100m last year on reinforcements. Only three players – Richarlison, (Yerry) Mina and (Lucas) Digne – cost about £90m.
'Everton are looking for great names and players from big clubs, like Barcelona.
'Despite these immense investments, the team is currently in the 11th place. That means there will be new, big purchases (in the future).
'I know (Everton) have decided internally that they will try to be the new Tottenham and join the biggest league clubs.'