This season, other than the few games just before he was dropped along with Howard (or rested/injured), how many bad games has he actually had?
As a young player with Howard behind him, Jags injured so he was 'senior' centre back with Mori, has he had a 'bad season'?
Id say hes been great myself and just in the way Barkley/Lukaku have had to play different roles he will be learning all the time.
This may affect him negatively in the short term but next season i think he will step up another level and be an outstanding centre back for us....at the age of 22.