Everton winger Dwight McNeil has admitted ‘I struggled’ to settle after leaving Burnley in a summer transfer. But he now loves being a part of a close-knit group at their training base.
Frank Lampard paid the Clarets £20m plus add-ons to sign McNeil in July following the Turf Moor outfit’s relegation. The 23-year-old had spent the last eight years with the Lancashire natives after moving over from Manchester United’s academy following one decade there.
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McNeil rose through the age ranks to become a pivotal first-team player with Burnley from 2018. He also scored seven and assisted 17 goals over 147 outings in all competitions with the Clarets. The former England U21 ace has two goals and an assist in 18 Everton outings.
Only Anthony Gordon has scored more often for Everton in the Premier League this season than McNeil. The Toffees product has so far scored three goals to the two goals from their summer signing. McNeil hit home in wins over Southampton and Crystal Palace in October.
Lampard has also only just seen McNeil pen his first assist in royal blue as Everton lost 2-1 to Wolves. Yerry Mina turned home the Rochdale native’s corner to break the deadlock on Monday. But Daniel Podence and Rayan Ait-Nouri replied to hand Julen Lopetegui the win.
Everton ace McNeil admits ‘I struggled’ to adapt after his transfer from Burnley
McNeil often struggled to create chances over his first few months at Everton following his transfer from Burnley. Although his issues carving out goalscoring opportunities also came while Lampard was once again without striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin due to a knee injury.
Now, McNeil has admitted that his struggles also continued at Finch Farm over his opening months with the Toffees. He had difficulties settling into a new group of players having not known many before joining Everton. But he has put his issues in the rear-view mirror now.
“At first, I think I struggled a little bit and I found it pretty difficult to settle in,” McNeil told the Liverpool Echo. “I only knew one or two of the players. But over time, I have settled in more now and I’m enjoying it. I go in every day and I come back home enjoying it.
“Like I say, at first it was a struggle as you don’t really talk or know anyone. But now everyone makes you feel welcome. Now, I love going in and everyone is so close there and it is good to have that togetherness that we have in the changing rooms.”
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