Tony Mowbray thinks Dan Neil could leave Sunderland for ‘a lot of money’.
Speaking to Chronicle Live, Mowbray heaped praise on the ‘invaluable’ midfielder after a solid start to the season.
Dan Neil broke onto the scene in Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign, netting three goals and providing seven assists.
The 21-year-old went onto be linked with the likes of Burnley and Aston Villa before committing his future to his boyhood club, where he has now flourished in the Championship.
Neil has been allowed to go further forward up the pitch and, as a result, has had a much more positive impact on the Black Cats’ attack.
The youngster has already bagged three goals and two assists this season and is looking likely one of Sunderland’s best players in a turbulent start.
After making his England U20 debut two years ago, Mowbray has now tipped Neil to make the step up in the international ranks.
“Dan Neil has played a lot of football now, and I think he’s highly thought of,” Mowbray said.
“He must be very, very close to being around the young England age group teams because his consistency level is good, and he can add some goals because he has scored a couple already this season.
“He has to keep on doing that because you have to catch people’s eye.”
Tony Mowbray has predicted big things for Dan Neil and reckons he could be on his way to the Premier League if he continues his form in front of goal.
Mowbray said: “If you’re a midfield player who scores double figure goals every season, you are going to the Premier League. It’s invaluable because people want goals from all over, and if you are a central midfield player who can break the box or who can shoot and you score high numbers of goals, you are going to get sold for a lot of money.
“Dan is enjoying playing a little bit further forward this season and hopefully the goals keep ticking along because he brings all the other aspects – he is composed with the ball, he can travel with it, he can hit long passes, he can stick it through the lines for us.”
How far can Dan Neil go?
Dan Neil is one of the best young midfielders in the Championship and there is absolutely no reason why he couldn’t make his mark on the England U21 squad.
The likes of Hayden Hackey from Middlesbrough and Charlie Patino at Swansea currently ply their trade in the youth team, raising the question as to why Neil wouldn’t get a chance if he continues to impress.
As for the Premier League, there is no doubt that he will compete at the top level in years to come. Thankfully for Sunderland, Neil is very committed to the club and could well give us a chance to reach the top flight ourselves before he ends up elsewhere.