that's not true mate, at all.
he sits in front of the back 4 thus he was up against a fluid advanced three of KDB, Sterling and Silva.
Zab and Yaya were sat deep punching the ball into the above 3 and Aguero.
He was absolutely brilliant against some of the best players in the PL. He wasn't anyywhere near high enough to be contesting against the two you're (seemingly) referencing. They were being closed down by Barkley, Kev and Davies.
Anyway, on topic, I think James Mac is too good to let go personally.
Agree mate. I don't think we are actively looking to sell him, and I reckon he isn't 'actively' looking to go.
But if a good offer (both fee and wages) comes in and he wants to play first-team footy, then I can see him going.
As @bluestevon said though, it'd be late in the window, and only when Gana is back I think.