With the Everton winger turning 25 on Friday, Dwight McNeil is a surprise entry into the Premier League’s top ten list of the most starts before the age of 25.
McNeil joins the likes of English football legends such as Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard.
The Toffees’ ever-reliable wide-man hasn’t always had it easy in his career so far, but is now an established member of Sean Dyche’s side.
Such is McNeil’s consistency that he has now entered the Premier League’s top ten list for appearances under the age of 25.
He joins a host of Premier League legends who went on to win titles, play for England and have outstanding careers.
But to date, McNeil has not been capped at senior level by England. He’s spent the majority of his career in struggling sides with Burnley and then Everton.
Despite this, McNeil has made 197 Premier League starts since his first against Manchester United in 2018. As a 19-year-old at the time, McNeil is also several years older than many of the others on this list were for their first Premier League start.
Dwight McNeil Reaches Top Ten Most Premier League Starts Under Twenty-Five
It’s a mark of the hard work put in by McNeil that he has earned his way onto this list.
He also has a lot to thank manager Sean Dyche for, who has coached him at both Burnley and Everton and put huge faith in the winger.
McNeil joins an illustrious group in the top ten most Premier League starts under 25.
1. Gareth Barry 232
2. Wayne Rooney 217
3. Rio Ferdinand 212
4. Declan Rice 210
5. James Milner 209
6. Emile Heskey 205
7. Raheem Sterling 204
8. Frank Lampard 203
9. Dwight McNeil 197
9=. Sol Campbell 197
Dwight McNeil’s Career Journey So Far
Born on 22 November 1999, Dwight McNeil grew up in Greater Manchester, and played for United’s academy.
The son of Matty McNeil, Dwight’s father was also a professional footballer, playing for Chester, Stockport County and Macclesfield among other clubs.
Dwight stayed in the Manchester United academy until age 14, where he moved to Burnley after being released by United.
He worked his way through the age groups at Turf Moor, before making his senior debut on 13 May 2018, replacing Aaron Lennon on the final day of the season.
After making 147 appearances for Burnley, he joined Everton in 2022. He has since played 92 times for the Toffees.
Although not yet capped by England at senior level, he has played for the under-21 and under-20 sides.
