I don't think Rafa would've fancied ASM at all tbh.
I said the same thing after watching youtube videos of him when we were looking to sign him. Rafa likes players who can stick to his methods and play for the team. For someone like Bruce or Pardew though ASM could be perfect. Neither of those two would have any idea how to build a functioning team, so a player with a bit of magic to win a game is a godsend.
Don't follow that logic. They both had Ben Arfa but made him a scapegoat at earliest opportunity. (Could be character differences like).
Rafa played Dirk Kuyt on the right wing. What makes anyone think he'd want an ASM type in his side is beyond me.