Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Dwight McNeil enjoyed a fine outing against Burnley and for Alan Stubbs, he was the best Everton player bar none on the night.
As everyone knows, Dwight McNeil has had a tricky past few weeks, after Crystal Palace pulled out of a deal to sign him at the end of the transfer window.
An overview of Everton's Dwight McNeil and his performance vs Burnley.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport.
The player thought he was off, as did Everton, only for Palace to decide against it and cease communication.
McNeil was left in limbo, and did not play for Everton for a few weeks after the episode.
Against Newcastle United though he was recalled, and he also started against Burnley – and his performance left Alan Stubbs delighted.
Alan Stubbs gives Dwight McNeil his flowers after Everton win vs Burnley
Everton v Burnley - Premier League
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images
Speaking to Everton’s official YouTube channel, former captain Stubbs said: “I would probably give McNeil Man of the Match tonight, even though there were a few other contenders, I think he deserved it.
“I’d say he went on some mazy, mazy runs. His overall play, I though he looked a threat whenever he had the ball. He looked confident, He looked like he was trying to make things happen – and that’s what he want to see.”
McNeil did well against Newcastle, but against Burnley he was a different level, and played like a man possessed at times.
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Burnley
The star played from the right side, and showed a great touch throughout, protecting the ball really well from Burnley players trying to get near.
Clarets players couldn’t really deal with McNeil’s dribbling, and he drew a foul which led to Everton’s opening goal.
McNeil was then also involved in the build up to the second goal.
McNeil could become key for Everton all of a sudden
It was heartwarming to see McNeil have such a great game last night.
His head was probably scrambled by what happened with Palace, but potentially he may be using the situation as fuel.
Dwight McNeil ahead of playing for Everton.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
All of a sudden, he could become a key player for Everton in the club’s bid for European football.
Moyes is clearly pleased with him, and he will now be so confident after that performance, and also the standing ovation McNeil received from the Hill Dickinson faithful.
After the game, McNeil expressed his gratitude for that reception, which he clearly appreciated a lot.
Hopefully, he will ride this wave for as long as possible, and make it as hard as possible for his rivals to displace him from the starting XI.