Dwight McNeil

August 7, 2022 at 7:49 pm

Dwight McNeil  As one of the few kids to break through from the Burnley academy, Dwight McNeil brings interest from all over the Premier League. The 21-year-old is often one of the main shows to watch for Burnley fans, providing a zip from the wide areas that they tend to lack without him.

Despite playing in a side that might lack a touch of invention, McNeil is the kind of player who gets ‘bums off seats’, as they say. A flighty winger with good delivery and shooting – the future looks bright for the academy prospect.

What makes Dwight McNeil worth watching?

As a regular in the Burnley team, a contribution of just five goals can sound poor but it shows the limits Burnley have offensively. When Burnley do attack on a more consistent basis, McNeil tends to come to life. At his best when Burnley break quickly, too, he offers an invention in the wide areas that makes him a big change from the standard Burnley wide player.

Most commonly playing off the left, he offers a solid outlet for keeping the ball, for moving forward, and for crossing from deep for the eager Burnley strikers.

Things to improve for Dwight McNeil

Simple – consistency. His finishing is poor despite being a good long range shooter, and he can be a bit too ambitious with the ball at times. While that might work in a more attacking side, in Burnley’s system he tends to make poor choices in trying to be too aggressive with his passing, shooting, or dribbling.

His crossing is his main asset, and something he could look to use on a more regular basis to help get Burley up the pitch easier. He’s a quality striker of the ball; a touch more thought before playing that killer ball, though, could improve his game massively.