I never liked Batty. He had some ability but he was far too cautious. He was the master of the aimless sideways pass and didn't take enough responsibility for taking a risk and making something positive happen. Tiote has his limitations but he's always eager to get the attack going. If anything, he perhaps takes too much responsibility.
The only player I'd see as a rival to Tiote is Speed, for his heading ability at both ends of the pitch, and his greater ability at getting on the end of chances in the box. However, I think Speed went missing now and then and I'd go for Tiote's limitless appetite for involvement and hard work.
Batty would never give the ball away and cost us goals like Tiote has done a couple of times.