Rice 2 years ago was being over-rated relative to his then-ability compared with ill-defined potential. These days, its true that he's still not as consistent as he'd need to be in order to fully merit the Keane/Vieira (or even Fernandinho) comparisons, and someone like our own Casemiro has a more fully developed sense of positioning in terms of neutralising attacks and start counters, Kante is more agile across the ground and so forth. But his anticipation, consistency in driving with the ball, ability to play as a 6 and and an 8, and short-passing have all improved over the last couple of years. If we're firmly established back in top-4 by 2024 and he hasn't moved to Chelsea by then, I could see him as one of our two statement signings that Summer as a long-term Casemiro replacement.
Foden would look more impressive for an upper mid-table team, or even an Arsenal. City are so regimented that unless you're a De Bruyne breaking defensive lines with key passes several times a game, as opposed to working angles and moving the opposition around alongside your full-back and number 8, or you're the focal point getting 30 goals a season ala Aguero (and now, sadly, most likely Haaland), its hard to look outstanding. He's probably closer to top 30 than top 3 though in any case....
