He wasn't good enough in his first couple of seasons but was excellent in his last two. Not perfect but replacing him won't be easy.
Xhaka's biggest criticism this season is that he's not creative enough around the box, but assuming Rice is his replacement, that issue won't be addressed.
In the end, Xhaka has many assists as Odegaard in the league, both at 7. So I would say a creative 8 would be ideal, but Rice isn't that.
I suspect we will go through a transitory period as we phase out Xhaka and Partey. I hope the club is right in Rice and Caicedo being the answers because I don't think they are superior.
