You're missing my point, this season has been about progression, the fact the players have taken so well and quickly to a new manager who has radically changed our playing style is a success, as I said the timings of injuries to key players has been unlucky, but I do think with time and a more in depth squad (Which takes time, you can't expect a manager to bring in ALL the players he wants in 2 windows) we will be in a stronger position to sustain a champions league push.
Back to McCarthy, you don't have to score goals, beat people or get assists to be a good player, his work rate is unreal and without him Coleman/Baines/Barkley would not be able to break forward as much as they do, he is constantly providing cover and protection to the back 4.