Everton’s dreadful start to the 2024/25 campaign has been put behind them with a four-game unbeaten run.
Sean Dyche‘s side are by no means clear of the danger zone as they sit five points clear of the bottom three.
There have been some positive performances to come from the early stages of the season with Everton turning around their recent form.
Iliman Ndiaye is a player who has seriously impressed since arriving at Everton and earning himself a regular spot in Dyche’s starting XI.
The Senegal international, Ndiaye, has even admitted he dreams of becoming the world’s best footballer at some stage.
But it is one of Everton’s English players who has received some big praise for his start to the 2024/25 campaign.
Darren Bent wowed by £20m Everton player
Everton already have one representative in the England squad with Jordan Pickford establishing himself as the number one goalkeeper.
His last outing for the Three Lions was not his finest, however, with some England fans left questioning Pickford’s role in the defeat to Greece.
The likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has previously played for England but his current form does not have the striker performing at that level.
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Speaking on TalkSPORT [25/10/24, 5:43pm], Darren Bent has admitted the £20m Dwight McNeil could potentially push for a spot in the England side if he ups his returns in front of goal.
“His numbers have got to better. He has got three goals and three assists in eight games, which is decent, but last season it was three goals and six assists,” said Bent.
“Okay, all right. The season before seven goals, three assists. Again, I think if his numbers are a little bit better, I think there’s no doubt (about being in the England fold).
“I am a big fan of his, comfortable in possession, scores some good goals, by the way, works incredibly hard when you watch him off the ball as well. Only 24 years old as well.”
Dwight McNeil is now outperforming most Premier League players
In his opening eight Premier League appearances, McNeil has been able to return three goals and three assists.
The Rochdale-born star has also been able to net in the Carabao Cup and has taken on a new role in the number 10 position.
Only Cole Palmer has been involved in a higher proportion (69%) of his side’s goals than McNeil (67%) in the Premier League this season.
Considering McNeil is not playing for one of the Premier League’s top clubs, the form he has shown this season has been really impressive.
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