he shouldn't have gone in the first place
He's probably on a bigger wage after two transfers and contract bumps than if he stayed, and he'd probably not have broken into the Barca first team any sooner either, so win win for him
I think Lassana Diarra to be honest, we desparately need a foil alongside Fabregas in a 4-4-2, Song isn't close to world class. Essien started off as a more defensive midfielder, and is VERY good, but he's more offensive than defensive, though still excellent defensively. You really do need a Makelele in a great team for when Essien and the rest of the midfield is caught up the field.
I can't name a DM thats a better passer of the ball, has that inate ability to run into 3 players have the ball bounce around everyones leg and he still comes away with it, great reading of the game, strong, more than enough pace and a very good eye for the right pass forwards to start an attack aswell.
Since he's been playing less Real have been conceding goals like mad, and they were far stronger with him rather than Alonso in the team, or both in the team and considering the utter crapness that is Real's defense people should recognise the insanely fantastic job he's been doing covering them as much as possible.
I think a DM is more important than a great keeper for now, better to not have shots on goal at all , than a better keeper. Keeper wise, Casillas maybe, he takes a lot of blame for the crap defense infront of him but really is very very good.