Here's his ratings for me, 2016:
I was able to land him on a free from Man City before the beginning of the 2014-2015 season. He was able to quickly fit into the hole left by Charlie Adam leaving for QPR, netting 14 goals and setting up 17 more in 52 appearances. His showings in Europe have been consistently good, with an average rating just over 7 in 19 appearances, including a goal at Sporting in last year's CL and another v/Chelski at Ibrox in the quarter-final.
In the league he's been a revelation, although he can take the occasional game off. He was unsettled for a period at the beginning of the current season after I rejected an offer of 11m from Roma for him but after signing a new contract on 35k/week his performances have been incredible, certainly living up to the promise he showed last year.
Notes:
Highly recommend for UEFA Cup+ level sides, not a prototypical Big4-type player but certainly a capable attacking midfielder and a solid playmaker if you use one. Good on free kicks, you should be able to grab 10 goals or so a year from him as well as a good number of assists. His first touch is impeccable and inside of 30 yards he's deadly with the ball at his feet. Despite being capable as a CM should only be used as a CAM, and can give you some games on the right if necessary.
Adapted well to Scotland as he's a very cultured player. Should fit in on just about any squad anywhere. Works well with younger players; all prospects I've paired him with have made noticeable strides in their game under his tutelage. Not a prime candidate for a leadership position on most teams as his influence and bravery aren't the highest. Keep him happy and his performances will stay at a high level; let him get unsettled and you'll be searching your bench for someone to plug in while he sorts himself out.
If you can get him on a free like I did then I definitely recommend it. Outside of that, given what I've seen out of him the past couple years, I wouldn't have a problem making a bid in the 8.5-11m range for this player.
Overall: 6.8/10
