Everton have already seen a number of standout performers this season, but there’s one player who really surprised Peter Crouch when he played with him.
Over the summer, the Friedkins got to work in putting together a much stronger squad for David Moyes to work with.
After taking on the job in January, the 62-year-old had to work with a squad he inherited from Sean Dyche and Farhad Moshiri.
Just months on and Everton already look like a different animal with players like Jack Grealish looking to push the club forward.
Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye is being tipped for a huge future, but the Toffees will be keen for the Senegal international to continue his development on Merseyside.
The two wingers have dominated the headlines for the Blues this season despite the depth of quality Moyes now has at his disposal.
There is one player who can barely get a sniff under Moyes who Crouch has admitted really impressed him when he played alongside him.
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Peter Crouch so impressed by Everton’s Dwight McNeil
During the international break, Dwight McNeil played for Everton’s U21 side following a lack of minutes in the senior side.
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McNeil played a big role during Dyche’s time at the club, but the developments over the summer transfer window have completely frozen him out of the side.
Speaking on That Peter Crouch Podcast, the former Burnley striker has waxed lyrical about how good McNeil actually is.
“You know what surprised me when I went into the training ground for the first time was actually the quality. Yourself [James Tarkowski] and Ben Mee at the back, still, good on the boy, Ashley Westwood. It’s like a very good talented player,” said Crouch.
“I didn’t realise how good Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes were. Dwight McNeil, like there’s some good quality in that dressing room.”
Already, ahead of the January transfer window, it is expected that Everton could receive offers for McNeil to depart Merseyside.
The Toffees may well be struggling to find the back of the net, but it is not through a lack of chances being created from the players in behind.
So, as good as Crouch may think McNeil is, an opportunity for him in the starting XI feels a long way off given the competition he faces.
McNeil could benefit from January Everton exit
Some Everton fans already think McNeil may never play again for their club after watching him in the Carabao Cup loss against Wolves.
Although a substitute appearance cannot be ruled out, it does feel as if his opportunities in the starting XI are going to be extremely hard to come by.
During pre-season, Beto was left so impressed with McNeil’s technical ability, but the pair have barely had a chance to play together this season.
Dwight McNeil 25/26 (Premier League) Total
Appearances 2
Starts 0
Minutes 23
The striker has had enough opportunities created for him without McNeil on the pitch despite only showing one goal for his efforts.
Up until the game at the weekend against City, McNeil had only played 19 minutes, with his last league appearance back in August.
It seems the writing may already be on the wall for the 25-year-old under Moyes.