From a Sunderland fb page @bbcnewcastle The Mackem Rodri please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Dan Neil has spoken about enjoying being both an 8 and a 6 as he looks set to play a deeper role for Sunderland this season. Hear bbc.in/4cvg7y0 #SAFC | @Tweed_Barnesy please log in to view this image
He's a key player for us and a big miss when he's out but now old enough to be criticised imo, especially as he's captain. I'd like to see him more vocal with his team mates and the referee. I think if he had a shot on him, and could cut out his turns when he loses the ball, he'd be gone already.
I don’t think his final ball is great nor is he shooting. If it doesn’t work out as a 6 for him this season he’s essentially just another good 8 which there’s already an abundance of because it’s probably the easiest role on the pitch to play. Simplified to running a lot, winning the ball back and giving it to others who can do something with it.
Think we have some quality. Ballard, Neil, Cirkin, Clarke, Jobe. 5 young players most championship clubs would almost certainly want. Out of them, I think Clarke, Cirkin and Ballard when all fit are close to, if not, best in their position in the division
I'd always rated Neil but he seemed to be weighed down by the armband … … over the last month he wears it as a badge of pride. If he stays he could become the captain I’ve been waiting for.
He’s been mega for a dozen games or so now. Really stepped it up after a slow start to the season. Long may it continue
Class player, had a couple of poor games at the start of the season and because of how Jobe was playing, he got unfair criticism imo He really has gone up a few levels last month or so - he's starting to take over games now more than he ever did before This will likely be his last season playing championship football, I think he will be a solid Premier league CM for the rest of his career
Music to my ears Paddy. Dan is the real deal and was always going to be imo. There was never a moments doubt. Some players just shine the moment they move to adult football, he was one. Rigg and Watson next off the academy rank doing the same. Would love to see Dan stay with us. Probably take promotion to make it happen. He desrves to play premier league football.
He’s took the criticism from the section who use him as the scapegoat in his stride. Proved them all wrong
Most don't admit they were wrong though, they try and change the narrative - which is why we still have this "he's doing well but he's wasted in the DM role" theme. The fact is that he's playing the best football of his career in that role so who can say that he's better in a more advanced role? It'll be interesting to see how RLB plays him alongside ELF.
