Why Burnley should keep hold of Dwight McNeil for the future
According to The Mirror, Burnley boss Sean Dyche has admitted that the club would have to sell rising star Dwight McNeil someday.
McNeil, 20, came through Manchester United’s youth academy and joined Burnley’s U18 side in 2014. Since making his Premier League debut for the Clarets in May 2018 against Bournemouth, he has been a regular member under Dyche.
Lasts season, they youngster racked up 3 goals and 5 assists in total and has now taken his game to the next level. He has already contributed with the same amount with the rest of the season yet to be played. McNeil’s performances have earned him rave reviews and he has gone from strength to strength in the last few months.
After a poor run of results in the first half of the campaign, Dyche’s men have managed to turn things around since the middle of January. They have been unbeaten in their last 7 league games and have climbed up to 10th position in the league, just one point behind Arsenal.
The manager would be hoping that he takes his side to a higher place finish by the end of the season and qualify for the Europa League given their good run of form. However, regardless of their finish, they should be able to continue with the good form next season. And to do that, the Clarets will have to bring in reinforcements to key areas and keep hold of their best players.
McNeil is the only left-winger available at the manager’s disposal and if he is sold, Burnley would find it difficult to replace him with another young and upcoming forward. Therefore, it would be wise for them to stop any exit for the youngster.
The 20-year-old is one of the rising stars in the Premier League this season and has the ability to succeed at a higher level. He has been in sensational form and is one of the key players in Dyche’s system, helping them to reach the upper half of the table.
A left-winger by trade, McNeil is also capable of operating from the other flank. He has also been accustomed to feature as a midfielder. His versatile nature of play could be helpful for the club in the future.
The English U21 international is already the leading assists-provider for the Clarets this season and has done well despite his tender age. And it is sure that he is can contribute more to the club once he has enough experience.
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Verdict
Burnley have been doing well in the past few months and to continue with that, they would need McNeil by their side. He has brought life into the Clarets’ dull attack and that has also seen Chris Wood, Ashley Barnes and Jay Rodriguez rise to the occasion.
Hence, it would be a wise decision by the club to avoid any temptation for the youngster and keep him for their future.
