Sean Dyche believes there’s more to come from Dwight McNeil despite the 24-year-old’s impressive performances since moving from out wide into the No 10 role.
McNeil has established himself as Everton’s creator-in-chief and played a pivotal role in his side’s 2-0 victory at Ipswich on Saturday afternoon.
He set up Michael Keane for Everton’s second after Iliman Ndiaye had given Dyche’s men an early lead.
McNeil has now been involved in six of Everton’s nine league goals this season, scoring three times and recording three assists.
Only Cole Palmer has been involved in a higher proportion of goals for a Premier League side this season.
Dwight McNeil played the full 90 minutes of Everton’s 2-0 win at Ipswich and had 64 touches
McNeil (left) – who played in a No 10 role – assisted Michael Keane (right) for the second goal
Everton boss Sean Dyche pictured on the touchline during Saturday’s game at Portman Road
While those eye-catching attacking statistics come as no surprise to Dyche, despite McNeil’s unfamiliarity with the role, the Everton manager says he still has more to learn.
‘I made a change, I felt the technical side of our game wasn’t where it should be,’ said Dyche.
‘I’ve known Dwight a long time. The defensive side of the game, he’s got to learn for that position. But we know his offensive game is very good.
‘Trying to find that balance, I speak about it all the time, is the hardest thing in football.
‘[Having] enough quality to go forward and open teams up but still the players who can be resolute and work hard enough to make sure you don’t open up too much.’