Josh Bunting lauded Sunderland star Dan Neil’s performance in their 4-1 win at Wigan Athletic.
Bunting was left impressed by Neil who grabbed the assist for Patrick Roberts clinching third goal to top off an all-round brilliant performance.
The near ever-present centre midfielder has only missed one game all season following a red card against Sheffield United but has been an undroppable figure of late with him starting 22 of the 24 Championship games he’s been available for.
The 21-year-old has kicked on from his breakout campaign last season where he played 46 times with his display at Wigan yet again catching the eye.
Bunting took to Twitter after the game and praised the South Shields man’s showing on Thursday night following on from previous impressive outings.
“Dan Neil’s best two games of the season have came in the last two games, was excellent tonight and against Blackburn. His passing was very smart this evening in through the lines. He was the creative spark, won the most duels and he was smart in drawing the fouls #SAFC,” Bunting tweeted.
TIF Thought on Bunting’s comments…
Neil proved last night why he’s become one of the first names on the team sheet under Tony Mowbray this season.
His sublime link-up with Roberts for the third goal capped off his performance as he reaped the rewards of a more attacking role in front of the back-three system deployed last night.
He was awarded a 7.8 rating from Sofascore which was only second to Trai Hume on the night, his 68 touches were the highest of a Mackem’s player outside the defence, showing his creative spark with two key passes and three completed long balls.
Defensively he excelled again with his four tackles and four interceptions the joint highest amongst any Sunderland player whilst winning an incredible nine out of 12 duels throughout the contest.
The win took the Mackem’s into fourth place with the 21-year-old proving again tonight he’ll be key to any success they achieve over the second half of the season.