Dan Neil ‘falls victim to recency bias’ as Sunderland verdict delivered
Dan Neil’s future has been talked about a lot this summer at Sunderland.
With four pre-season games now complete, Sunderland’s squad is starting to take shape, with Regis Le Bris making it clear who is in his plans.
Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki have been the two midfield occupants, with Neil one of several players forced to sit on the bench as the strongest squad takes to the pitch.
His contract situation has sparked some concern on Wearside, with some very harsh verdicts delivered on the midfielder.
Sunderland cannot lose Neil this summer
Diarra and Sadiki have impressed so much that many have started to forget just how important Neil was last season, or at least that’s how it seems.
He captained Sunderland to promotion and remained consistent throughout the campaign, barring a few drops in form, which in a 48-game season is to be expected from someone who is still just 23 years old.
| Sunderland | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Neil | 48 | 2 | 3 |
However, many have already labelled him as not good enough for the Premier League, but with the top flight more of a squad game than ever before, those accusations hold very little value.
If his contract situation can be sorted, Neil will be a crucial player on and off the pitch this season, and the arrival of new quality players should not overshadow the value he has at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland need to reach an agreement with Neil
In six months, Neil will be able to negotiate a free transfer abroad, and having been linked with Roma, it would be a far from ideal situation.
Sunderland simply have to come to an agreement on a new contract with the midfielder, who, in more ways than one, will have a massive part to play in the Premier League next season.
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