I still think he's good, don't get me wrong. I watched him when he was at Charlton, was a cut above everyone on the pitch that day (apart from a young Ben White, who looked excellent in a Leeds shirt).
But he's got qualities that endear him to the English fans and media. Bit like a Mason Mount - he puts himself about and covers a lot of ground - but when it comes down to it I don't think he has the technical ability or game intelligence to be a top top midfielder. I prefer CMs who can control a game. We as a nation don't tend to produce them, is all.
The way some sections of the commentariat refer to him would suggest he's a lot better than he is. Still good though and those qualities I think would make him good for us. Fans would love him