” He is level above Everton Right Now,” Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Toffees Star will move to Barcelona or Real Madrid to win the Ballon d’Or

Gabby Agbonlahor believes Dwight McNeil should have played for Barcelona or Real Madrid following his performance for Everton in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.

The 24-year-old became a hero at Goodison Park on Saturday [September 28], scoring twice to give the Toffees their first Premier League victory of the season.

Speaking for talkSPORT in his Team of the Week, Agbonlahor said that the winger’s sole limitation was his lack of pace.

He said: “If he had speed, McNeil, I think he’d be playing for Real Madrid or Barcelona because his left foot is a wand; he can find a pass and strike a ball.

“That goal he scored, his first goal is becoming a trademark goal now from McNeil. Give him time and he will hit that top corner, his second goal hits the target, always hits the target McNeil and he’s a real special player.”

Everton need to build around Dwight McNeil

While it is difficult to picture McNeil playing for any of the La Lia heavyweights, his performance for Everton at the start of the season has been outstanding.

His goals have single-handedly earned the Blues their first three points of the season and given Sean Dyche more time at Goodison Park, with uncertainty about his future growing with each week.

McNeil has three goals and two assists in six Premier League appearances, and he has been a bright spot for the Toffees in an otherwise disappointing season.

Dyche finds himself in a scenario where every game is a must-win for his team, and with Newcastle United visiting Goodison Park on Saturday [5 October], the manager will be relying on McNeil to maintain his outstanding form against the Magpies.

The trio of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Iliman Ndiaye, and McNeil is self-evident, but Everton are at a loss for options on the right wing. Jasper Lindstrom has yet to impress on Merseyside, prompting calls for Jack Harrison to replace the Napoli loanee this weekend [Chris Beesley].

McNeil is prospering in his new role behind the striker, something Dyche should be commended for, since the attacker has swiftly established himself as the Toffees’ most important player this season.