Sky Sports pundit: Dwight McNeil went to Everton for Frank Lampard, must go to next level now
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
It is time for Dwight McNeil to go to “the next level” at Everton after a poor season with Burnley, according to Kevin Campbell.
The 22-year-old’s transfer motored from start to finish in no time at all and culminated in a £20million move, despite a campaign that ended in relegation last year where he contributed a single assist and no goals, leading to the deal being ridiculed on talkSPORT by reporter Alex Crook.
But Sky Sports pundit Campbell believes a player with that sort of quality in his left foot can always be worked with, although he admits the Englishman needs to kick on in his development having made the move to play for Frank Lampard.
Reflecting on the opportunities the relegated Burnley man had this summer, Campbell exclusively told Goodison News: “It’s one of those things where when you’re a talented player [and] you aren’t at one of the big boys.
“You aren’t one of the teams who spends a lot of money so you go with what you’ve got.
“And it was a difficult season for McNeil last season wasn’t it? It was difficult for Burnley.
“But one game, he’s scored a couple of goals and he’s looked decent.
“I think he’d have to develop. Now is the time where he’s got to develop. He’s at a big club and his game has to go to the next level.
“I’m sure he went to Everton because Frank Lampard’s there if I’m honest with you.
“I really believe that one thing he can do is he’s got a sweet left foot and he knows where the goal is.
“Now, his delivery is excellent as well. You can always use, and work with, somebody whose got that sort of quality.
“The key is getting him up to speed, and getting him playing, and getting him developed.
“I think that’s really key.”
Reflecting on a possible front three of McNeil and Anthony Gordon either side of Dominic Calvert-Lewin he added: “It’s not bad at all”
The Toffees had been stuck struggling to complete a deal for McNeil’s Turf Moor teammate Maxwel Cornet, whose output last season would probably have justified the fee more easily.
Despite the Ivorian’s release being lower, at £17.5million, the Clarets’ acceptance of a far more staggered payment schedule for the young English attacker made the deal viable instead.
As the only attacking addition in what is shaping up to be a strong transfer haul so far, and in light of the reduced options in attack, McNeil will need to step up and do better than last season if he is to avoid being another big-money flop under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership.