Advertisement

Unseen Sunderland work vital for Black Cats Championship promotion aims

Sunderland's Dan Neil
-Credit:PA


Sunderland team captain Dan Neil has received a glowing review from head coach Régis Le Bris as the second half of the season gathers pace.

The midfielder started the season in indifferent form, including receiving a red card against Burnley and giving away a late penalty at Watford in a 2-1 defeat. But Le Bris stuck with his man and he has since gone on to become one of the team’s most consistent players.

The French boss explained how Neil’s selfless role allows his team-mates to flourish and brings the best out of the team. A focal part to the midfield, Neil has been a huge part of the side’s success this campaign missing just one game through suspension.

READ MORE: Exact amount broadband and mobile bills will go up as BT, Vodafone, EE and more to increase prices

READ MORE: Sunderland transfer news with Le Fee update and Mbatha interest latest

The 23-year-old has shown exceptional leadership throughout the course of the season to help steer the team to their current position of fourth place in the Championship table, sitting just three points from top spot. With Neil sitting in a slightly deeper role in midfield this season, Le Bris went into detail on why his captain's contribution to the team is so vital.

“I think he did well during the first part of the season but it wasn’t so obvious for the observers,” said the head coach “Maybe because he is really involved to adjust all the behaviours of his team-mates. He is very clever and it’s important in adjusting to give information, balance the team.

“At the end, the individual output is not as big as expected but it is still very important for the team. You can feel how strong he is as an individual player. At the same, the role he has for the balance of the team is very important.”

While there have been various adjustments to the team throughout the season due to injuries and suspensions, Neil has been a mainstay in the heart of the midfield producing displays and captain’s performances. He recently notched his first goal of the season with a 25-yard strike in the win against Swansea City.

His contribution to the side covers all areas of the pitch as Le Bris continued: “We played so far with 4-3-3 a lot. The role of number six is very important to balance the team and to manage the counter-attacks. If we release that position, it’s like a big gap for the opponent. We haven’t conceded many counter-attacks. It’s very important for the confidence of the team and Dan is solely important for that role.”