At the end of last season and start of this , you could just see people waiting to write him off but he's been exceptional this season.
I'd say behind Xabi he's been our second best player and almost faultless. Despite not really having a settled partner for most of the season he's consistantly delivered world class defensive displays , with Chelsea away in particular standing out.
It may be a bold claim but I think he's now the top defender in the league.