Dan Neil and Man City reject – Three Sunderland players with a point to prove
Sunderland have carried out substantial work on their squad ahead of the Premier League season.
As a result, the Black Cats could look unrecognisable, with several players to pay the price for their success.
Dan Neil faces an uncertain future at the Stadium of Light, despite captaining his team to the top flight.
Along with the 24-year-old, many other names have a point to prove as the Wearsiders return to the top table.
Neil to challenge Granit Xhaka for starting place
Xhaka is the most eye-catching arrival at the Stadium of Light and has captained Sunderland in pre-season.
That must have been a tough watch for Neil, who would have been hoping to lead his boyhood club in the Premier League.
Despite a slow start, the central midfielder emerged as a key player in the 2024/25 season and was one of the first names on Le Bris’ teamsheet.
| Dan Neil’s 2024/25 Championship statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 44 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Accurate passes | 36.6 (84%) |
| Tackles per game | 1.8 |
| Total duels won | 4.8 (51%) |
However, perhaps rather unfortunately, he is now up against a better player in Xhaka and must fight for his place.
Neil will believe he is worthy of the chance to impress in the top flight, but faces a battle for minutes.
Read more: Le Bris drops major hint over Dan Neil’s future at Sunderland
Wilson Isidor must step up his performances for Sunderland
When Isidor was given a run in the first team, he grasped the opportunity tightly and did not let go.
The Frenchman scored a range of impressive goals last term, with his finishing breathtaking at times.
However, after turning his loan deal into a permanent one, the goals dried up, and so did his confidence.
In the play-offs, he reminded Sunderland supporters of what he is capable of, with a key goal against Coventry City.
However, this season Isidor is up against Eliezer Mayenda and Marc Guiu, meaning he must seize any opportunity he is given.
Patrick Roberts will want to silence his doubters
No player deserves a Premier League shot more than Roberts, who has finally found his home in the North East.
The winger came through the ranks at Fulham before sealing what appeared to be a defining move to Man City.
However, the 28-year-old was loaned out to six clubs across Europe before completing a switch to the Stadium of Light.
While many will say the Englishman has failed to live up to the early hype, he will want to prove himself against the very best.
Roberts reportedly turned down a move to La Liga to remain at Sunderland, as he wants to fight for his place.
With that desire, the right winger has what it takes to battle Chemsdine Talbi for a place in Le Bris’ team.
- Neil faces a battle to keep his place in Le Bris’ starting 11
- Isidor has likely fallen down the pecking order
- Roberts has a point to prove in the Premier League
While new signings will likely be given the nod in the early games, the old guard will be primed to pounce for their chances.
Anyone given a starting berth must prove their worth, and the trio will be hungry to prove a point.
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