Dwight McNeil’s ‘amazing’ form under Sean Dyche at Everton has left a Liverpool legend stunned with the summer signing from Burnley going from strength to strength at the relegation-threatened Premier League outfit.
The appointment former Clarets boss Dyche as Frank Lampard’s replacement at the start of February certainly appeared to bode well for McNeil. The England U21 international had, after all, made his name under the gravel-voiced gaffer at Turf Moor.
And, unsurprisingly, McNeil has been a man revitalised since reuniting with Dyche on the blue side of Stanley Park. He’s scored four goals and set up two more since the 1-0 triumph over Arsenal.
McNeil’s dazzling display at The Amex on Bank Holiday Monday, meanwhile, was arguably the best of his entire Premier League career. The 23-year-old set up Abdoualye Doucoure’s second of the game, forced an own goal from Jason Steale and then hit a second half brace; a thumping finish into the top corner capping one of the finest individual displays in Everton’s recent history.
Can Dwight McNeil keep Everton in the Premier League?
“He has been amazing,” former Anfield favourite Danny Murphy tells talkSPORT (10 May, 12pm).
“His physical presence since Dyche has got them playing has been really, really important. And now he is adding goals and assists.
“He was a talented lad, and now he is playing better than I’ve ever seen him. He looks comfortable playing under a manager he knows. Under Frank, he didn’t look comfortable.”
Often fielded wide on the right by Lampard, McNeil is rediscovering his Burnley best in a more naturally-fitting left-sided role, using his seemingly endless energy levels and devilish delivery to excellent effect.
With seven in the Premier League, McNeil is comfortably Everton’s top scorer too.
“It’s been good. When Dyche came back in, we had a conversation about how I was playing,” McNeil said recently.
“He knew what type of player I am. And the person I am off the pitch, as well, which is massive. We had a conversation about how to get me playing back to how I used to be.
“I am enjoying it.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
