I think this is why we'd be better off playing him directly in front of the defence, rather than in a position where he is making runs or trying to make creative passes that clearly aren't going to come off.
He is a defensive player, good off the ball and strong in the tackle, he'd provide good cover for the entire defence and would also allow his fellow midfielders like Delph to get forward more without worrying.
The problem with playing him in that position would be that he'd be the one to get the ball off the centre backs. Not sure how comfortable I feel about that !
Indeed, that's why you would have to play Westwood next to him and push Delph much further up.