According to Burnley Express, Arsenal are monitoring the progress of Burnley attacker Dwight McNeil. The youngster emerged as one of Premier League’s most promising wingers this past season. However, the Gunners could face stiff competition in their pursuit of McNeil as he is courted by a number of top clubs across England, including Manchester City, Everton as well as Newcastle United.
McNeil’s rapid rise to prominence
A product of the Manchester United youth academy, McNeil’s blazing performances in the youth leagues saw him getting promoted to the Burnley first-team last summer. And after a quiet first half of the campaign, the youngster gradually became a crucial figure in the attack.
He scored his first Premier League goal against West Ham United on 30th December 2018, and that performance played a vital role in McNeil’s rise to prominence. The winger ended the campaign, making 21 league appearances, during which he scored three goals and provided five assists.
McNeil’s service in the final third was crucial as the Clarets survived the relegation scrap once again despite boasting a below-par attack.
What can McNeil bring to the table?
The 19-year-old is advertised as a dynamic winger, who relies on his pace and acceleration on the flanks. He can use his burst of speed to beat his man while his trickery on the ball becomes useful when probing the opposition.
However, what makes McNeil such a sought-after attacker is his direct runs into opposing defences coupled with his potency in front of goal, meaning he can create not only chances but also has a knack for scoring goals.
Furthermore, the Burnley attacker is adept in making full use of set-pieces and often tends to whip in dangerous crosses inside the box. And this is what makes him such a good fit for English football that is hugely oriented around crossing.
Should Arsenal make a move for McNeil?
Despite enjoying an impressing campaign at Burnley this past season, McNeil is still untested in many ways, and his lack of experience could be a problem when making the jump to a bigger club. Arsenal, too, cannot afford to sign inexperienced players as they look to recover from a turbulent campaign that saw them finish sixth in the league.
Hence, the Gunners should target a bit more well-experienced attacker this summer. They were interested in securing the services of Yannick Ferreira Carrasco this summer, but a move is yet to materialise.
