It’s not an opinion, it’s fact. Box-to-box midfielders are able to attack in the opposition box as well as defend in their own box. Whilst Bayliss is has to take up defensive duties in his role due to our preferred formation, it’s clear that it’s an aspect of the game that he struggles with. In my opinion MR asking Bayliss to take up such duties actually limits his ability to go forward which is why he was pretty average last season. This was highlighted in some games when Bayliss and Doyle we’re deployed together. With Doyle’s legs gone, Bayliss was asked to take up a role he was clearly uncomfortable with and further share the defensive duties.
His best position is still CM, however it’s clear he needs to work on several aspects of his game - including passing and defending to make it his own. I’d like to see how he’d fare in the CAM position during pre-season though.
