Vlad is very situational. If you have him, he’s interesting to use, but I don’t think you miss much by not having him.
That said, one of my favorite, most memorable battles was with him. It was my last War flag, against an opponent with a surviving Li Xiu and Sabina in the wings. I stacked 5 3* Purples (as all my Yellows were used, and also all my stronger Purples).
Balthy, GIll-Ra, Chochin, Oberon… and Vlad.
Ghosted tiles, more ghosted tiles, use all specials on Sabina (stupid Field Aid!). Sabina heals, Vlad absorbs, yay. Made a match, kill Sabina. Ghost some more. Crap. No Purples. Oops, Li Xiu has charged. Yikes!
Li fires… and murders my entire team… EXCEPT Vlad. His gigantic Health and his stolen healing from Sabina keep him alive with over half health left! Ghost some more Vlad charges, use on Li, steal field aid healing… oh my gosh, my heart is pounding. He absorbs a slash attack… hanging on… and…and…
YES! finally a match under Li! She goes down to a three-tile match…
and that is how Vlad won my alliance a war.