After seeing their team register another win in 2025, Sunderland fans have been fawning over one player in particular for his recent performances.
Sunderland battled to a 1-0 win over ten-man Portsmouth on Sunday afternoon, with Wilson Isidor scoring the all-important goal.
Regis Le Bris’ tactical decisions were a big factor in the victory, as they have been for much of this season, but it is one member of the Sunderland squad who is coming away with plenty of credit from the Black Cats fans.
After initial reservations about Dan Neil’s suitability as captain for Sunderland, the midfielder has now seemingly silenced his critics.
Dan Neil is proving to be an impeccable captain for Sunderland
Taking to Twitter/X after the win over Portsmouth, Michael Graham kicked off the praise for Neil, posting: “Are we all ready to agree now that Dan Neil is an excellent captain for Sunderland, then?”
Among the replies, one fan said: “He seems to have suddenly found the balance he’s been searching for. Immense in the last two months or so.” That improvement was noticed by another, who posted: “Improving every season that lad, like a few others in the team.”
Another admitted they are now “enjoying eating the humble pie” after seeing Neil step up recently, while one supporter added, “Slow start adjusting to new position but he has been fantastic for about nine games in a row. Absolutely outstanding.”
There are potential issues coming from this good form, though, as one fan pointed out, “the worry is the lack of talk about a new deal” for Neil.
For balance, there was one Sunderland supporter who claimed: “Excellent player, not sure I see the leadership influence from him I’d expect from the captain but that could improve.”
Sunderland spirit epitomised by Dan Neil’s rise
There can be no denying that Neil has stepped up in recent weeks, and he is now not only playing well, but is showcasing the kind of attributes this very young Sunderland side need to embody as a unit.
His never-say-die attitude, willingness to put his body on the line, and his ability to drag the team through games are the shining example his colleagues can look to, and at just 23-years-old, Neil will no doubt get better in time, too.
Regis Le Bris has a number of young players he can build his team around, but Neil is the lynchpin of it all, and the fact he is a local boy who came through the Sunderland academy is just the icing on the cake.