Why Dwight McNeil would be a future investment for Leicester City
As per Sky Sports (h/t Leicestershire Live), Leicester City are interested in signing Burnley youngster Dwight McNeil ahead of the new season.
The report suggests that Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is looking to prepare a strong team for next season’s Europa League adventure and has his sights on the youngster. However, Rodgers will have to face competition for the signing of McNeil as he is wanted by Premier League rivals Wolves and Serie A giants AC Milan and Juventus.
Profile
Born in Rochdale, England, McNeil was released from Manchester United’s youth academy at the age of 14. He joined the academy of Burnley in 2014 and four years later, made his senior bow. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength and is one of the best young talents in the country.
He has been a regular member of England’s U20 and U21 squads and has also established himself as a key figure for the Clarets in the last two seasons. Despite his tender age, he has already made 67 appearances for the club and could be seen as a future prospect.
McNeil – A future leader in Leicester’s attack
The Foxes’ inconsistency towards the end of the campaign cost them a Champions League spot. They finished 5th in the league standings and have qualified for the Europa League next season. However, there are several areas where the manager needs to bring in reinforcements to the squad.
Demarai Gray and Fousseni Diabate are the only two natural wingers available at the manager’s disposal. But both of them haven’t played enough. Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton were the two regular starters.
Moreover, Gray has been linked with a move away from the club and this could reduce their attacking options. Thus, signing a winger this summer would help them keep their squad dept intact which is necessary for them as they will have to play extra numbers of games next season.
In that regard, McNeil would be a suitable option for the club. The youngster managed to rack up 2 goals and 6 assists in the 2019/20 campaign and has shown immense potential in the top-flight. He could be used in the place of Gray, and he is also capable of operating from either flank.
The 20-year-old could only get better from there on and under the guidance of Rodgers, he could develop himself. McNeil can also be seen as a future player for Leicester City if he is able to grow.
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Verdict
At 20, he has already proved himself, and given Leicester’s lack of options in the wide areas, going for McNeil would be a fantastic move. He could provide them with some much-needed depth and would also bring healthy competition to the squad.
