I don't see how Tiote is better than him, dude. Colback is just so much better on the ball. He's more aware, he's composed, he looks up and passes into space. I don't see Tiote doing any of those things.
The days of the hardmen in the middle of the pitch is over. Colback intercepted more balls today than I ever remember Tiote doing in a match. That's the modern defensive midfielder, not someone who launches into a tackle when the ball is received by the attacker.