Sunderland fans had plenty to say about skipper Dan Neil and his performance during the Boxing Day draw at Blackburn Rovers.
Sunderland were on course for a third-straight comeback win in the Championship on Boxing Day, eventually drawing 2-2 with Blackburn Rovers.
The Black Cats were a goal behind at the break. But within 10 minutes of the restart, Sunderland were in front owing to goals from Chris Rigg and Wilson Isidor.
On the day, Dan Neil shone for Sunderland. He dictated play throughout and played a key role in both goals as well.
Needless to say, Sunderland fans were impressed with his performance.
Sunderland fans laud ‘exceptional’ Dan Neil after Blackburn Rovers display
Neil stood out in both halves of the game against Blackburn, being Sunderland’s best player in the first 45 by a country mile.
One Sunderland fan said during the first half: “Only player to take some credit at the minute is Dan Neil,” as another added: “Dan Neil quite literally the only Sunderland player to not be absolutely woeful.”
Others described Neil’s performance as ‘really good’, ‘different gravy’, with one even comparing Neil to a ‘prime Zidane’.
Another Black Cats supporter posted: “Got to give credit where it’s due Dan Neil has been solid again.”
One other comment read: “Can’t understate Dan Neil’s involvement in both goals. Been absolutely superb again today.”
One thing is clear about Dan Neil right now
Earlier in the season, Neil was getting a lot of stick from Sunderland fans who thought the skipper was the one player not pulling his weight.
And at times, criticism was fair, albeit a bit over the top. Neil himself admitted that he started slowly this season in this new-look Sunderland side under Le Bris.
But the 23-year-old has been a shining light for Sunderland in recent weeks. Against Blackburn, Neil was the one dictating play and keeping his cool when others around him were failing to keep up.
Neil now has four assists and one goal in 22 Championship outings for the Black Cats this season. It’s clear now that the Sunderland star is back to his best.