Why Leicester don’t require Dwight McNeil’s services

The latest name to be linked with a move to Leicester City is Burnley’s Dwight McNeil. Is he the right left-winger?

As the first glimpse of Premier League action post lockdown is upon us, transfer speculation is becoming increasingly popular. Is Burnley’s Leicester City-linked winger Dwight McNeil a good option?

The 20-year-old has had an impressive second season in the Premier League, contributing two goals and five assists to a Burnley side currently residing in tenth place – which is 21% of all their goals this season.

Breaking into The Clarets is no easy feat, they have a specific style of play – a reliance on set-pieces and an excessive use of the wings, that doesn’t have much variation. If you don’t fit that mould, you’re unlikely to find much success at Turf Moor but McNeil optimises that and more.

Considering the importance of set pieces to Dyche’s Burnley team, McNeil is one of the men tasked with delivering free-kicks and corners, as well as Ashley Westwood and Johann Berg Gudmundsson. However, what’s truly solidified his spot in left midfield is his effectiveness at old-fashioned wing play, that has seen him, alongside James Tarkowski, Ben Mee and Nick Pope, start every game this season.

His impact in Lancashire has been felt, so much so, that Sean Dyche has started building his team around the impressive youngster. Would they sell to Leicester, a premiership rival, as reported? Probably not, without a huge offer.