Dan Neil has already previously commented on West Brom controversy amid Hawthorns links
Dan Neil’s previous comments surrounding West Brom may give fans mixed opinions after links to the Sunderland midfielder in recent days
West Brom have been credited with an interest in Neil, as the Englishman has struggled for game time in the Premier League with the Black Cats.
Ryan Mason wants additions in the January transfer window, and Neil is someone who knows the Championship inside out.
Jayson Molumby could leave West Brom, and the Sunderland man could be seen as the ideal replacement.
However, Albion supporters should be aware of Neil‘s comments on the controversy regarding a feisty West Brom and Sunderland encounter from the past.
Dan Neil previously admitted West Brom were ‘better’ than Sunderland
In December 2022, West Brom beat Sunderland 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, with Tom Rogic and Daryl Dike inspiring a second-half comeback for the Baggies.
The win was a crucial one at the time for Carlos Corberan, and further boosted Albion’s hopes for promotion that season.
However, the match came with its share of controversy.
- Sunderland went 1-0 up in the first half through an Amad Diallo penalty after drawing a foul from Conor Townsend
- In the second 45, Diallo was again sent to the ground inside Albion’s box, right before Dike’s winner
- West Brom controlled the match with 56% possession
West Brom-linked Neil commented on the Diallo controversy after the game, but suggested that Albion deserved the win on the night.
Neil claimed, as quoted by Chronicle Live in December 2022: “I think we had chances and I think we should have had another penalty in the second half.
“I think it was pretty much identical to the one in the first half that got given.
“But I think overall on the night, they created more chances and played better in the second half.“
Dan Neil’s stats prove he could transform West Brom
There haven’t been many transfer links for Albion in recent weeks, building up to the window, which may cause concern.
But not many more players would be needed after Neil’s touted arrival, because he would transform the Baggies’ midfield.
Last season in the Championship, Neil made 1.8 tackles per game while recording a passing accuracy of 84 per cent for the Black Cats, as highlighted by Sofascore.
He featured 44 times in Sunderland’s promotion-winning campaign, and could be the exact type of midfield profile that Mason needs for the Baggies.
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