Qwiss — right there with you my man.
I’ve enjoyed Rice’s impact on our team, but I don’t think it is based on him playing as an 8. He’s quite static in that role as we copied, and Eze seems a much better fit. I also like Eze as an 8 opposite Odegaard because he doesn’t “need” the ball. He’s a magician who makes the most of moments, and we can still primarily control games via Odegaard (and Zubi).
But yeah, I do worry about our shape with MLS at LB, Rice alongside Zubi, and Eze ahead. Potential to be very narrow, but perhaps Ode/Eze can thrive in such an approach.
Exciting times ahead.