Dwight McNeil’s Transformation: From Struggling Winger to Undroppable Attacking Midfielder
Dwight McNeil’s Everton career has undergone a remarkable transformation. The 23-year-old winger, who struggled in his debut season, has emerged as an undroppable attacking midfielder under Sean Dyche.
McNeil’s £20m transfer from Burnley in 2022 raised eyebrows after a dismal 2021/22 campaign, where he failed to score in 40 appearances and provided just one assist in 3,277 minutes. His 52-shot drought was the worst in the top five leagues.
However, Dyche’s tactical tweak has revitalized McNeil’s Everton career. Deployed as an attacking midfielder, McNeil has scored four goals and provided two assists in eight appearances this season, already surpassing last season’s tally of three goals.
Comparison of McNeil’s stats from 2023/24 and 2024/25:
- Goals per 90 minutes: 0.08 (2023/24) to 0.49 (2024/25)
- Assists per 90 minutes: 0.19 (2023/24) to 0.24 (2024/25)
- Progressive Carries: 2.49 (2023/24) to 1.69 (2024/25)
- Progressive Passes: 3.55 (2023/24) to 4.75 (2024/25)
- Shots Total: 1.73 (2023/24) to 2.20 (2024/25)
- Goals/Shot: 0.05 (2023/24) to 0.22 (2024/25)
- Key Passes: 2.15 (2023/24) to 3.39 (2024/25)
- Shot-Creating Actions: 4.05 (2023/24) to 4.75 (2024/25)
McNeil’s central role has increased his involvement in Everton’s attacking play, allowing him to link up with the striker, create chances, and test goalkeepers.
McNeil’s resurgence will be crucial to Dyche’s survival, given Everton’s tough start to the season. While others have underperformed, McNeil has been a shining light, making him an indispensable player for the Toffees.
As Everton navigates the Premier League, McNeil’s continued form will be vital. Can he sustain this level of performance and help Dyche turn the season around? Only time will tell.
McNeil’s transformation serves as a reminder that players can adapt and thrive in new roles. His success story will be closely watched, and Everton fans will be eager to see if he can maintain this level of performance.
The Premier League is full of surprises, and McNeil’s resurgence is just another example. As the season unfolds, McNeil’s impact will be pivotal to Everton’s fortunes.