Nail on head. I don't think that JFC, Ince and Holla can do the CM job that Stephens and Kayal do. Crofts 5 years ago could, but as you say after his injury we just don't know. They all fit into a certain role in a 3 man centre midfield.
It will be interesting to see if any of the others can...
This sums it up quite nicely ^^
Stephens is doing a great job with Kayal and both are making contributions to games with assists and goals. They are potentially the best CM pairing in the division.
People seem to have a problem with seeing the work CMs put in if they don't score or play...