Some of our players have avoided the worst of the venom and the reputational damage precisely because they haven't played much. He also has that 'gung-ho' style where he'll make a last-ditch block or perform a Zidane-turn at CB and the fans love this...so then they excuse all the very obvious mistakes he makes that Maguire/Lindelof would be hammered for.
DvdB is another prime example. Has barely played, has done nothing when he has played, has been ignored by four managers now and did nothing at Everton....and yet, all over social media, you see he's still largely well-liked and there are fan accounts screaming for him to get game-time
Dalot was another example until recently but goes to further prove my point...we build them up, ask why they can't break into such a poor side....and then we see them play and it all becomes very apparent