Sunderland go into this international break on arguably the biggest low of their otherwise brilliant 2024/25 season so far.
The mood among Sunderland fans is low right now. Following the 3-0 defeat at Coventry City before the break, many are left going into this March international break wondering if Sunderland might yet slip out of the top six entirely, let alone be able to compete in the play-offs.
Hopes of a top two finish are seemingly over with the joint leaders, Leeds United and Sheffield United, both on 80 points compared to Sunderland’s 69, whilst Bristol City in 7th are now 12 points behind the Black Cats who’ve won just two of their last six, losing three.
Against Coventry City, many players were poor, but Dan Neil stood out for criticism. Sunderland fans blasted Neil’s performance during the game with many believing it to be the Sunderland skipper’s worst performance of the season so far.
In 2024/25, Neil has had good and bad spells, but mostly good. Very good at times in fact. He’s featured 37 times in the Championship, scoring twice with three assists to his name as well.
Phil Smith admits Dan Neil isn’t at his best for Sunderland right now
Speaking on On The Whistle in wake of the defeat at Coventry City, journalist Phil Smith gave his verdict on Neil, and how the international break maybe comes at the perfect time for the 23-year-old who’s looked a bit leggy in recent weeks.
Smith also admitted that Neil simply isn’t playing ‘at the level we know he’s capable of’, saying: “The rest and recovery is the most important thing, and the one positive is players like Dan Neil, Patrick Roberts, Luke O’Nien, Wilson Isidor, these players are going to get a proper break now which could be really important.
“It’s obvious on these videos, especially earlier in the season when Dan Neil was getting a bit of criticism, really defended him then had a brilliant run of form, it’s very rare for Dan Neil to come 10 minutes into the second half. That tells you that he’s just not at the level we know he’s capable of.
“I’m quietly hopeful that a couple of week’s rest will make the difference for him.”
The problem with Dan Neil at Sunderland
Neil has had a lot to take on this season: the captaincy and a new style of play, which Neil admitted earlier in the season he struggled to get to grips with at first.
But there’s been games this season where Neil has been completely unplayable. On his day he’s the best midfielder in the Championship, but when he’s not at his best then Sunderland as a unit look awful, and it pins the blame on Neil; even more so now that he’s the captain.
Speaking earlier in the year, Gary Bennett hailed Neil at Sunderland and suggested he doesn’t get the praise he often deserves. He said: “He doesn’t get the plaudits. I think his passing tonight was excellent. He was unfortunate to not get on the scoresheet [against Leeds United]. He’s got great ability. He’s calm on the ball.”
Like Smith says, Neil looks tired, and in need of a rest. But even still, criticism can be unwarranted most of the time. It’s been a good season overall for Neil and Sunderland.