Crystal Palace want Dwight McNeil

Football FanCast

Crystal Palace should swoop for Dwight McNeil

By Callum Davies

Published Jul 17, 2022

With Crystal Palace linked with a move for Burnley's Dwight McNeil, it remains uncertain as to whether he could replace Wilfried Zaha.

Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha has long been tipped for a move away from Selhurst Park, with AS Roma most recently linked to the Ivory Coast international.

However, with the winger now being 29 years old, it can be assumed that eventually, a decline will begin.

This could welcome the introduction of Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, who could make an ideal replacement for the Ivory Coast international, as well as offering a different dynamic. It could revolutionise how Patrick Vieira wants to play, and offer more balance as he continues to add pure entertainers to his squad.

Back at the start of July, Pete O’Rourke spoke of how the pulling power of the French manager could be the deciding factor in tempting the winger to Selhurst Park.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “Patrick Vieira, we know what a player he was in the Premier League, he’s a Premier League legend, so I’m sure he does have a lot of pulling power for players, and it does look like he is building an exciting young team at Crystal Palace right now.

“He had a good first season in charge and made some good signings as well, so I’m sure if Dwight McNeil was to make the move to Crystal Palace, Patrick Vieira would play a huge role in that, and his pulling power might help him to make that move to London.”

Crystal Palace were reportedly willing to pay £10m for the star.

Although he went all of last season without a goal, he still managed an impressive 7.03 average SofaScore rating. His contribution to his teams is clearly more than goals and assists, and this is outlined by his underlying stats.

He sits in the 99^th percentile for blocks, the 98^th percentile for interceptions and the 88^th percentile for tackles. He could act as a facilitator for the likes of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

However, he was recently likened to a player who was once one of the best in the world, with Joe Cole claiming McNeil is “like Di Maria”.

High praise indeed, and although his actual stats may not set the world alight, his other contributions could perhaps far outweigh what Zaha has brought to Palace. He could allow the youngsters to truly explode for the London outfit.

AND in other news: "It's been a given…”: Journo drops big transfer update, CPFC supporters will be gutted