It must be a bit of both, though I'm inclined to agree with asa it is more his form&confidence. Him playing on the wing was a complete disaster - add his form at the time, and it was a recipe from hell. But if you think he would have been a rock playing the deep role a year ago, I say think again. He was so feeble, so easily dispossessed, he'd probably have cost us 10+ goals just by being robbed not too far from goal.
Also agree with asa on his room for improvement. I'm positive he'll keep getting better mainly for his work ethic and determination (was also the reason I was optimistic about him in the past).