Firstly, it's not unheard of for manager's to have blind spots for previous players, you know. Secondly, honestly, you've read me wrong. I never want a Palace player to do badly. Entire in-law side is Japanese too, so in fact I have an extra soft spot for Daichi. But the facts are he spent most of last year underperforming. That's not even up for debate. Towards the end of the season, he started looking like he belonged more, which is encouraging. Right now, there's no way he's a better option than Wharton/Hughes. But I would be thrilled if he starts playing well enough to dislodge that partnership...which he's showing signs of.
Anyway, bored of that now. I think Esse is worth persisting with...you can train the other stuff...the tactical understanding and the pressing triggers etc...what you can't necessarily train is that raw ability he has, which hardly any players do these days.