Country: England
One thing Xhaka has always had, even at his worst is a sweet left foot. He can make the ball do exactly what he wants and I'm really not surprised he's doing well in this attacking role where the quality of your final ball/shot is very important. I don't know if rice has that but again, football circles suggest he has (Wilshere saying he was the best finisher at West Ham etc.)If Xhaka can be great at #8, I don't have much doubts that Rice can't. Also take into account that Partey surely can play #8? Also take into account that Partey surely can play #8?
We saw Partey at #8 and he really wasn't good. I don't know if you remember me saying that what makes Partey a top DM is that he's very very good on the ball for a DM but as an attacking CM he's kind of average. Same way that good on the ball for a CB is very different to good on the ball for a DM. @2Smokeyy and I were maybe the only two people calling for Partey to be pushed further back and now he's excelling. I wouldn't want him anywhere the 8 role except in emergency.
But it looks like they rate Danilo very much. He is also the easiest addition to make this January. He is only 21,5 years old which is nothing for a DMF.
It's interesting to observe what they will do. Danilo in January for 25 million, and Tielemans for free in the summer would be quite nice. But this would block any other top midfielders from coming.
The other side of the coin is that it would enable possibly getting something like a 100 million top winger.
Honestly wouldn't mind that strategy. At the end of the day attacking signings usually have the greatest impact. I'd rather spend 100M on the next great forward or attacking mid than 70M on Rice for example.