'Form speaks for itself' Sunderland captain Dan Neil sets out ambition
Dan Neil says “winning is everything in football” and he believes Sunderland will only get better. Having led the side to three consecutive wins in the Championship, the Black Cats skipper has seen a real togetherness amongst the squad as they continue to build momentum in their campaign.
The Lads currently sit top of the league after 12 games having just beaten Oxford United 2-0 at the Stadium of Light last time out.
“It’s a really tight-knit group” he said. “The additions we’ve brought in with experience have helped.
“Simon Moore made his first start and got a clean sheet so all the lads in there are buzzing for him. Chris Mepham has that Premier League experience at the back. He can see the whole game and has been excellent since he came in.
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“Alan Browne is brilliant. He’s been in the Championship for god knows how many years. He’s been brilliant on and off the pitch.”
Neil has come in for some criticism for his own performances as others thrived but Regis Le Bris has stuck with him and he was instrumental in the win against Oxford. He continued: “This season it's been really important to make this place a fortress and make sure it's no easy game for anyone that comes here.
"I think the away form speaks for itself. Every time we go away from home it feels like a very professional performance. We are getting results and we have looked so solid defensively all year. We've got the quality on the break and even in possession to break teams down and score goals. I've been really impressed with the defensive side this year.
“The togetherness in the group is good and that helps when the team is winning as well. Last year, it was tough when we were on a bad run but naturally, morale is going to dip. It’s really hard to get that back up so starting this season well has been good.
He added: “Winning is everything in football. Confidence gets up and squad morale gets up so winning most weeks has been really good and everyone seems to want to fight for each other.”
At 22-years-old, Neil has taken on the role as team captain this season in a deeper lying role in the midfield. After making 160 appearances for the club while scoring 10 goals, Neil is hopeful he can continue to develop as a leader and a player.
He continued: “It’s a new role for me but I’ve played it in the past in a slightly different formation. I’m constantly learning different positions and different formations, that’s good for my development.
“Each week, I’m learning a little bit more and each performance is getting better. As long as I’m out there on the pitch every week helping them win, I’m happy with that.”