He's taken stick from certain quarters even when he's been playing great though, that's why people defend him - as he's been one of the boo boys 'favourites' for years ffs.
Even this season, I've seen his performances put down as jarg by some of his fiercest critics, when he'd actually played quite well & was far from the worst on show.
He's going to become more of a squad player as time goes on, but he'll still have a role to play & he'll still makes a decent contribution imo.
Noticeable that Martinez patently rates him, as he's picking him every week, so some of the 'experts' on here, must rate themselves as a better judge than the manager that they're happy to praise at present...........