Phillips issues ‘big’ Neil claim after confirmed Sunderland transfer news
Kevin Phillips has heaped praise on Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil for his “brilliant” performances over the festive period.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the Stadium of Light legend identified the 20-year-old as the Black Cats’ “standout player of the season” so far.
Neil has started all of Sunderland’s fixtures over the festive period and has helped them climb to the summit of League One.
The centre-midfielder has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign on Wearside, with eight assists and three goals to his name in 30 appearances.
Speaking to the Chronicle on Neil’s future (3 January), Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman insisted the club “will not be entertaining” any offers for their prize asset.
Neil put pen to paper on a new four-year deal at the Stadium of Light in October.
When asked who has impressed him over the festive period, Phillips told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs: “The player that has stood out to me is Dan Neil.
“I covered him for Sky in the Arsenal and Doncaster game and he was brilliant in both. He did really, really well.
“He is a good all round player who has a bit of everything. A young lad who certainly has an old head. He plays like someone who has been around a long time.
“I think he’s been the standout player this season, not just over the festive period. He’s got a big future ahead of him, that’s for sure.”
In other news, Phillips has told Sunderland to complete 10-goal striker swoop after confirmed news.