I think him adapting his game has lost his unpredictability and explosiveness somehow, although the second might've just been due to him being semi-crocked for the majority of last season. Under previous managers his first thought seemed to be to turn and run at goal, beat a fullback or get to the byline. I feel a lot of the times now he'll cut back and go for the safer option or beat a man and then lay it off. Certainly more beneficial for the team but I do wish he still had those moments like Everton (H) in Howe's first season where he was almost unplayable that night or the City (H) game at the start of last season.
Might well have just been down to him never being fully fit last season though. I guess we'll see this season, if he does stay.