Dwight McNeil's four-year spell at Everton has ended with his move to Crystal Palace, but his impact during the club's darkest hours should not be overlooked. The 26-year-old was a peripheral figure under David Moyes for much of the past 18 months, often deployed on the right of midfield, a position that exposed his reliance on his left foot. His reduced role coincided with the emergence of Tyler Dibling, but McNeil's earlier contributions were vital.
Key role in survival battles
McNeil suffered more than any other player through Sean Dyche's departure in January 2025. Like Dyche, he played an essential part in helping Everton escape a desperate relegation battle and in the fightback after the points deductions of the 2023/24 season. His first goal for the club came in a 2-1 win at Southampton under Frank Lampard, a strike he described as meaningful after joining from Burnley.
Under Dyche, McNeil flourished. In his first season, he was involved in nearly one of every three goals Everton scored, with seven goals and three assists out of a total of 34 league goals. His disputed hat-trick in the 5-1 win at Brighton was a highlight, keeping the club's fate in their own hands. The following season, he had nine goal involvements, including the corner for Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goal in the win over Liverpool.
Injury-hit final seasons
In 2024/25, McNeil recorded 12 goal involvements despite missing four months with a knee injury. His four goals included two off the bench to seal a comeback win over Palace at Goodison Park. That form against Palace may have influenced their interest in signing him.
McNeil is not Iliman Ndiaye or Jack Grealish; he is not a player who will get you off your seat. As Everton have moved away from the depths of despair, attacking midfield is an obvious place for growth and excitement. His insistence on playing on the right has been a frustration, but his run of games at the end of last season coincided with the form that carried the Blues to the cusp of the Champions League places.
Parting of ways
A parting of ways is now useful for both parties. If Moyes only considers him on the right, Brennan Johnson is a much better fit. This looks like a good deal for Everton for a player who has lost his place and now finds himself as a fringe player out of position. But McNeil deserves credit for the significant role he played during a terrible time for Everton, and hopefully he gets it.
