Analysing the Role of Summer Signing Dan Neil at Rangers

Back in the summer, Sunderland midfielder Dan Neil became one of 14 additions made by Rangers during the transfer window.

There was perhaps not huge excitement within the fanbase. The 24-year old had been a bit part player in Sunderland’s unlikely promotion to the Premier League, before essentially being discarded in the top flight. He was then, again, a bit part player on loan at Ipswich Town last season as they were also promoted to the Premier League.

However, Neil has proven to be an astute signing for Derek McInnes so far, and has even taken the captains armband in the absence of skipper Lawrence Shankland through injury, which shows just how much the gaffer thinks of him already.

Although the Sunderland academy graduate is perhaps known for his industrialism in midfield and his ability to win the ball back, he has shown to be more than just that so far, creating seven chances, one big chance and scoring two goals already during this campaign.

His ability to be a difference maker in the final third allows Raskin to simplify his role in the team, at least in possession, where he can be the deep lying playmaker punching passes through the lines and starting attacks from those deeper areas. 

That in turns allows Neil to get in and around the edge of the box and potentially be a match winner when it is needed.

In the win over Kilmarnock, he won 6/9 ground duels, whilst also completing 2/3 dribbles, creating three chances, completing 3/4 accurate long balls, and having 0.12xA.

When you score two goals in an Old Firm win, you are going to instantly make yourself a fans favourite, and it is clear Neil’s popularity within the fanbase is absolutely soaring right now. He is the perfect partner to Belgian international Nicolas Raskin in the middle of the park.

Hate to add a sour note to this positivity, but you really can’t help but feel that Neil would be absolutely perfect in the European games this season. The tenacity required against top opposition from the continent, but also that ability to play and potentially make all the difference with the ball.

Still, he will be very important in domestic competitions, particularly in the Premiership as Rangers look to win the league for the first time since back in 2021, and for just the second time since 2011. Let’s keep everything crossed he can stay fit.