Agree with most of your post, except Stephens is fine. He does the Matic/Makelele/Kante DM role very well. We simply need the more advanced CM's, to possess greater creativity, speed of thought and ball retention. Clubs like Watford and Bmuff have cracked that, and even awful Hudd have Pritchard.
It's too lacking in numbers, and lacks a creative player who can control the ball/games.
Unpopular with those demanding two out and out strikers play, but every successful team plays variations of three in CM. Typically one or two 'sitters', with the balance made up by a creative CM.
Winning...