Being best in the team that we had 10 months doesn’t mean he’ll be as good in the team we have now.Maybe thats your personal experience but not what I have seen for myself or been told anecdotally by top level physios.
Having a long term injury and coming back 100% match sharp is bloody hard to do. He was one of our best performers prior to the injury. Be amazed if he comes back at that level into the speed of a competitive premier league midfield.
But I have no idea how bad his injury was. Just going off the amount of time he’s been sidelined for.