I agree, but he's fantastic at it. Schneiderlin's problem is his lack of versatility, AND the fact that his supposed strengths aren't even that good. Everton is his level.
Of course it's an issue. Tevez is a physical beast, while Higuain has great movement but most of all, being a CF is relatively not as physically demanding as a wingers/full backs. Depay doesn't have anything but a good long shot. You can't be an overweight winger in 2017.
Even Thiago aside, I still don't think he's breaking into the starting XI, while I will most definitely not play Pjanic over Kroos and Modric.
In fairness to Roman, he did show patience this year. Again, let's wait and see once they hit their first rough patch. They didn't fly out the blocks this year, but I wouldn't say they struggled. I don't think they ever fell past 6th place before they hit their stride.
- - - Updated - - -
Pogba had 32 apps for you in his first year, just 2 less than Marchisio and 6 less than Pirlo. I wouldn't call that a bench player at all. Also had 5 goals which is just 3 less than Pjanic last year, and more than all but two of his seasons at Roma.
I personally feel that 13/14 and 14/15 are Pogba's best seasons so far, though I do acknowledge that his best overall stretch was the one last year after Marchisio returned. He was majestic once the shackles were released.
Fair enough, but I personally disagree. Even if you account for them having different responsibilities in their respective teams, I honestly can't see Pjanic carrying the burden that Pogba did for us this year, and no, this isn't some PL-based exceptionalism. We relied more on him than we did Zlatan, and that says a lot.