Caicedo & Rice in the middle might not have the technique or flair that some might want going forward - but the fact is that they might just be the difference makers against a team like City that dominates possession. Those are 6 points that might ultimately be the difference between winning the league or not just like they were this season.
I think Guardiola might see us as serious challengers in terms of keeping up with City over the course of a season - but my hunch is that he's confident enough of ripping us to shreds when they're in top gear and rightfully so. The fact that they seem open to selling Cancelo to us also indicates that ultimately they're confident enough that it wouldn't derail their own ambitions. Having 2 serial ball-winners in the middle might not be necessary against most premiership teams, but it sure as hell goes a long way with helping us in big CL games and tough away or title deciding games in the league.
I think Guardiola might see us as serious challengers in terms of keeping up with City over the course of a season - but my hunch is that he's confident enough of ripping us to shreds when they're in top gear and rightfully so. The fact that they seem open to selling Cancelo to us also indicates that ultimately they're confident enough that it wouldn't derail their own ambitions. Having 2 serial ball-winners in the middle might not be necessary against most premiership teams, but it sure as hell goes a long way with helping us in big CL games and tough away or title deciding games in the league.