talkSPORT pundit snipes at Everton deal for Burnley winger Dwight McNeil
Alex Crook has slammed Dwight McNeil’s imminent transfer to Everton live on talkSPORT, suggesting he isn’t the answer to the problems at Goodison Park.
The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano revealed on Twitter Thursday morning (28 July) that the 22-year-old Burnley man is joining the Toffees.
Despite being highly rated when he burst onto the Premier League scene, talkSPORT reporter Crook is less than impressed with his move to Merseyside.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Thursday, he said: “It seems a lot of money to me.
“You look at Dwight McNeil’s stats last season there weren’t any goals and not many assists.
“I think if had been able to provide more goals and assists then they [Burnley] may well have been able to stay up.
“Is this really the answer for Everton after themselves being in a relegation battle last season signing a player from a relegated club? Not too sure many Everton fans believe so.”
Smart business
Crook isn’t wrong in raising concerns over McNeil’s recent performance. However, he is certainly a more forward-thinking addition than what has previously occurred at Goodison Park.
McNeil didn’t have a good 2021/22 season and that could well have been down to a chaotic season at Turf Moor, in terms of relegation and a change of manager at the club.
It is important to remember that McNeil has performed well in the past for the Lancashire side and certainly has the potential to be an asset for Everton moving forward.
His age is also important to consider, with the former England under-21 international still able to progress and develop during his time at Goodison Park.
£20million does seem quite steep in terms of price and there will certainly be a lot of pressure on McNeil to deliver during his time at the club.
Let’s hope McNeil’s arrival is the start of a number of forward-thinking additions with, Everton still keen to add Maxwel Cornet to their ranks.