Sunderland interim boss Mike Dodds was full of praise for one player after the draw vs Leeds United on Tuesday night.
Sunderland were widely expected to lose against Leeds United at Elland Road, and lose quite convincingly.
The Black Cats had won just one of their previous 10 before the Leeds game and still have very little to play for in the Championship.
Daniel Farke’s side meanwhile were looking to move back into the top two after defeat vs Coventry City last weekend pushed them into 3rd.
But Sunderland frustrated Leeds and eventually left with a very credible point.
Mike Dodds’ Sunderland take point at Leeds United
Sunderland have drawn their last two games now, albeit by 0-0 scorelines.
The Black Cats seem to be shoring up as they approach the end of the season and it’ll be good news for owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director Kristjaan Speakman.
They’ll want Dodds and the players to set Sunderland up for a positive summer both on and off the pitch, with new players and a new manager set to arrive at the Stadium of Light.
And whoever the new manager is will be hoping that the club keeps the bulk of their star players in the summer, namely Dan Neil.
Mike Dodds hails ‘unbelievable’ Dan Neil after Leeds
Neil put in a memorable performance at Elland Road.
The central midfielder showcased what he’s all about; passing and dictating play through his sheer technical ability, with Dodds full of praise for the 22-year-old.
Dodds told Sunderland Echo journalist Phil Smith after the game:
As per Sofascore, Neil won 9/15 duels (more than any Sunderland player), with 46 touches, 18 accurate passes, and 1 key pass, as well as 8 defensive actions (third-most of anyone).
Sunderland could now face Dan Neil heartbreak
Neil has had Premier League suitors this season and in the past.
The likes of Liverpool and Aston Villa have been mentioned alongside the Sunderland academy man and with performances like the one vs Leeds, it’s no surprise.
And whilst all the transfer talk right now seems to surround Anthony Patterson and Jack Clarke, Neil is someone who could quickly come into the discussion.
How many players Sunderland might look to sell this summer remains to be seen.
If Patterson and Clarke both go, Sunderland might push to keep Neil, though if someone comes in for Neil before either Patterson or Clarke leave, then expect the Black Cats to listen to offers.
He showed against Leeds that he’s a player who can truly run a game from midfield, with his technical ability certainly worthy of a Premier League move.
Like Dodds says, maybe Neil doesn’t get enough credit in certain games, though against tougher opposition where the game is more technical, Neil often shines.
Sunderland next face West Brom at The Hawthorns this weekend.