Dan Neil makes ‘incredible’ Sunderland admission after decision Le Bris made
Dan Neil reflected on the “incredible honour” he felt after being named team captain by Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris back in August.
While Luke O’Nien remained club skipper, it was decided that academy graduate Neil would be the leader on the pitch.
Neil has endured a tough start to the season, with some claims that his form should cause him to be dropped but there is no doubt that the midfielder has an abundance of talent and, perhaps most importantly, a die-hard attitude to fight for the badge of the team he supports.
The midfielder made his debut for the club in November 2018 and has since been a regular in the Black Cats’ squad, something which he has since revealed the ups and downs of being involved with.
In an interview with the Telegraph (15 October), Neil said: “Sunderland means a hell of a lot to me, it has probably been my life since I can remember. A fan growing up, I’ve been at the club since I was very young and it’s a part of me as a person.
“It was an incredible honour to be named captain, to wear the armband on a weekend, but it also feels like a natural progression for myself. To take on more of a leadership role within the group.
“It is very important at a club like Sunderland that the players know what is expected of them. The highs here are very high, the lows are very low. It’s the same with all the north-east clubs but you’ve got to be able to handle the pressure; take that pressure.
“Would you rather be playing for a club where it doesn’t matter… where the fans don’t live and breathe it like they do up here? Probably not. You have to adapt, you have to develop that strong-mindedness when you play for a club as big as this.”
Dan Neil will still play a crucial role for Sunderland
Despite a perhaps frustrating start to the campaign, Neil still has plenty to come as Le Bris’ side look to build on a table-topping start to the Championship season.
Ever since making his debut six years ago, Neil has impressed week in and week out and a slight blip in form shouldn’t be used to overlook that.
His talent has earned him recognition from the likes of Liverpool and other Premier League clubs who have been rumoured to hold an interest in him (Empire of the Kop).
While a spell out of the team certainly could provide a break for Neil to refresh and come back rejuvenated, his involvement going forward will remain crucial to Sunderland.
A return to fitness for Salis Samed in the coming weeks could provide that opportunity for Neil and rumours linking Jordan Henderson back to Sunderland would even further aid in his development as it is important to remember, he is still only 22 years old.
In other Sunderland news, Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman has praised Chris Rigg.
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