Kris Boyd has let rip on centre-back David Bates in the aftermath of another disastrous afternoon for Aberdeen.
Stephen Glass ' men are now on an eight game winless run following a disappointing defeat to St Mirren in Paisley.
The Pittodrie outfit had their defensive frailties exposed as the Buddies came from behind to earn a 3-2 win over the 10-man Dons.
Pundit Boyd didn't hold back on former Rangers defender Bates, who joined from Hamburg in the summer, after he put in a lacklustre showing in the defeat.
Boyd told Sky Sports: "I think going forward when they had the eleven men they were in control.
"I think when you look at the defensive part of the game for Aberdeen, there is a bit of uncertainty.
"They have brought in Declan Gallagher. He was in, he is now out. They have brought in Ross McCrorie who, for me, is a very good centre midfielder at setting the tempo and getting on the front foot.
"Defensively he doesn't know whether to go tight or come off.
"Then you look at David Bates. He was all over the place, and that's me being kind.
"There is uncertainty with Joe Lewis as well. I don't know if it's because they would normally get the ball long, and now they are under pressure and analysing every little thing.
"He's probably feeling a bit of pressure. That central area, where Aberdeen have been strong for a number of years, looks a little bit vulnerable."
Fellow pundit Stephen McGinn also insisted he had to learn quickly and grasp his chance at Aberdeen.
He added: 'When you have got young full-backs, who is the one controlling it? Who is the leader in the back four?
"David Bates has played with Rangers and Hamburg, he's not a kid any more. I think Aberdeen should be looking to get more from him, but he was ragged at times."
