Why are we even comparing him with former players, from different eras, who played alongside a totally different quality of other players?
Bottom line is, at the moment, he's the best we have in that position. We've had a poor quality squad for years and at times he's been a standout player in a struggling team.
Right now, he's what we have. If fit he should definitely start. Ideally in a 4-3-3 formation. He's not an 'impact sub' type, so needs to be in the first 11.
We might improve on him next season - if so, that's fine. But between now and yhe end of this season, he'd be in my starting 11.