TBH he did improve in the closing down opponent area a bit. Before he was like an extra man joining attacks that only stands in the midfield for the time being, like no essential midfield functionalities, which kinda sums up our midfield, either they are just increasing the numbers in defense or attack, but not exactly carrying out the midfield roles; to be more specific the differences in defense for midfield and the D-line is midfielders should be more concentrating on breaking the attacks and setup of the opponent, and the D-line is more on the final stopping and nullifying the goal threat; our midfield quite failed to do their part imo, and that's why we get to see our platinum CBs in action all the time, it is thrill to watch, but not a good sign. Barella and Broz are great, but they just got out number most of the time, as the third one they pair with normally fails, hence we end up attacking and defending the way we do. Vidal, Barella and Broz would be our best line up in terms of playing the middle third, Hakan actually attempts to play as a midfielder more than Vecino, but he cannot carry any duties at all, while freaking Vecino plays the final and defensive thirds (when he tracks back) roles, and just stands in the middle third.