We play 4/3/3. So by "middle" you're saying one of the 2 positions either side of the CDM? For me, on current form (going back ~6-months) i prefer Silva/Gundo in the middle rather than KDB paired with one of them.
I don't think City have ever had a problem creating chances under Pep, whether KDB is in or out of the team. Converting chances we do sometimes struggle. I know it's opinions and we can have our different views (and i respect that), but my own view is we don't "miss" KDB anywhere near as much as some would have us believe when he's not in the team. And on his current form, I don't think he is performing to a level that guarantees him a place in our starting 11.
I guess the question is, had Gundo been fit in recent weeks, would he or KDB have played because i think we would all agree that Silva is a definite starter.
It's a sum of the parts argument for me rather than looking at KDBs individual ability/creativeness.