The Sunderland midfielder impressed in Regis Le Bris’ opening Sunderland pre-season match.
Sunderland faced South Shields in their first pre-season match ahead of the 2024/25 Championship campaign, with the Black Cats getting a resounding 5-0 victory.
It was a first for new manager Regis Le Bris, who was able to see his side for the first time in a game situation.
Sunderland youngster Eliezer Mayenda impressed with a goal from a penalty, whilst midfielder Chris Rigg and Patrick Roberts also got on the scoresheet.
New signing Alan Browne has arrived with plenty of Championship experience, however he didn’t feature for Sunderland in their opening pre-season outing.
Former Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore, who has been brought in to mentor young goalkeeper Anthony Patterson and aid his development, also didn’t feature for Le Bris’ side.
Another midfielder impressed for Sunderland, after he ‘controlled the game’ against South Shields.
Dan Neil hailed after ‘very impressive’ performance in win vs South Shields
Sunderland’s skipper Dan Neil earned his plaudits with his performance against South Shields.
Sunderland Echo gave Neil a rating of 8/10, adding: “Sunderland’s captain on the day. Neil played alongside Rigg in the first half with the two complimenting each other well.
“Hardly gave the ball away and looked a cut above South Shields’ midfielders as you would expect. Controlled the game well. Very impressive showing.”
Neil has played a crucial role for Sunderland in their last two Championship seasons, accumulating 87 games across the two campaigns, providing 15 goal contributions from the centre of the park
The English defensive-midfielder has also been called upon to captain the Black Cats when Luke O’Nien is absent, as he did against South Shields.
Dan Neil’s experience will be crucial for Sunderland for the 2024/25 Championship season
At this moment in time, Sunderland still have very limited Championship experience in their side, despite the signings of Moore and Browne.
If sufficient signings aren’t made ahead of the upcoming Championship season, Neil may have to step up to be a leader on the pitch alongside O’Nien.
The midfielder more than effectively led the Black Cats in their resounding victory against South Shields, and it would transform the Sunderland team if he is able to carry this leadership into the new campaign.
Despite being just 22-years-old, he can potentially be a player that the youngsters see as a leader, particularly 17-year-old Rigg, who played alongside Neil and thrived as a result.
It’s not guaranteed that Sunderland will make all of the necessary signings ahead of the new campaign, with the Black Cats looking unlikely to ditch their transfer philosophy of going for youthful players.
Despite this, Neil fully has the ability and experience that he has gained at such a young age to become a leader and develop those young players around him at Sunderland.