Dwight McNeil
CRY
RW
Half-Space Orchestrator
Nov 22, 1999 (26)
Left
6'0"
150 lb
PalaceOmitted on performance grounds
McNeil was left out of the squad for Saturday's 3-2 win over Fulham due to a sporting decision following his performance off the bench against Manchester City, according to coach Pierre Sage, per The Athletic. "They were not in the squad because I was not happy with their performance when they came on the pitch against Manchester City. They have the opportunity to show every week and maybe they will come back with us on Tuesday."
Analysis: McNeil's omission was not injury-related, with manager Pierre Sage making clear he was dissatisfied with the winger's contribution against Manchester City. The coach described the decision as a one-match message rather than a lasting exclusion, leaving McNeil with an opportunity to respond in training and potentially return to the squad for Tuesday's Carabao Cup clash with Middlesbrough. He will need to show greater impact to work his way back into Palace's attacking rotation.
Makes quiet Palace debut
McNeil generated one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 2-0 defeat versus Everton.
Analysis: McNeil registered one shot in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Everton, making his first official appearance for Crystal Palace on the opening day of the Premier League season after his summer arrival. The winger adds width and directness to manager Pierre Sage's attacking options, and while his contribution was limited on a difficult opening day, his ability to take on defenders and deliver from wide areas gives Palace an additional creative outlet that will become increasingly important as the 2026-27 campaign develops.
Starts for first Palace minutes
McNeil (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup to play his first minutes with Crystal Palace in Saturday's friendly against Freiburg, the club posted.
Analysis: McNeil made 22 Premier League appearances for Everton last season, contributing one assist, and is fit for the new 2026/27 Premier League season after a minor knock had briefly limited him during preseason. New coach Pierre Sage's preference for two offensive midfielders in his setup suggests McNeil should see a healthy amount of playing time once fully integrated into the squad.
Transferred to Crystal Palace
McNeil has signed a four year contract with Crystal Palace from Everton, according to the club. Chairman Steve Parish said "It is wonderful to finally welcome Dwight, a player with proven ability in the Premier League, to South London."
Analysis: McNeil made 128 appearances for Everton, contributing 15 goals and 19 assists after moving to the club in 2022, having earlier established himself at Burnley with seven goals and 17 assists across 147 appearances. The 26 year old winger, capped 10 times for England's U21s, now joins Palace looking to continue his career after being named Everton's Young Player of the Season in his debut campaign there. New Palace coach Pierre Sage likes to play with two offensive midfielders in his setup which suggest McNeil will be set for a decent amount of minutes with his new club. He is currently dealing with a minor knock suffered in a friendly but should return to full fitness soon as teams are in the final phase of the preseason.
Dealing with knock
McNeil missed Saturday's unofficial clash against Hamburg due to a minor blow, but he's expected to return next weekend to face Stuttgart, according to the club.
Analysis: McNeil will reportedly be ready to play in the Premier League season kickoff and should contend for an attacking midfield spot. However, he might initially fall behind potential starters Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Merlin Rohl, so the former Burnley man will need to make the most of any minutes he can get. He was rather active in the first half of 2026 but finished with no goals and only one assist over 17 league appearances since December.
Three shots in loss
McNeil registered three shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Arsenal.
Analysis: McNeil led the Everton attacking effort with three shots (zero on goal) Saturday as they were outlasted in a 2-0 loss at Arsenal. The attacker also contributed one interception and two clearances to the defensive effort across 86 minutes of play. McNeil has attempted nine shots (three on goal) across his last three appearances (three starts), matching his total number of shot attempted across the preceding 15 appearances (eight starts) combined.
Four crosses in draw
McNeil generated one shot (zero on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Burnley.
Analysis: After starting the previous match on the right wing in place of Iliman Ndiaye, who is away at AFCON, McNeil made another start but operated on the left with Jack Grealish (illness) unavailable, freeing Tyler Dibbiling to play on the right. He attempted one shot, produced a season-high four tackles, created one chance and delivered four crosses, marking back-to-back matches with four crosses while taking one corner in each game.
Starts in Cup
McNeil got the start during Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash with Mansfield Town.
Analysis: McNeil has been on the bench for the first two Premier League matches, but got the start for the Carabao Cup match. He had a quiet day before coming off, and seems truly relegated to a depth role. McNeil was excellent before his injury last season, but poor form when he returned seems to have knocked him down the pecking order.
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