Duncan Ferguson Blasts Everton’s Star Player for Lack of ‘Presence’ After Wolves Draw

Duncan Ferguson Blasts Everton’s Star Player for Lack of ‘Presence’ After Wolves Draw

Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has launched a scathing attack on winger Dwight McNeil following the Toffees’ frustrating 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The former striker, known for his no-nonsense approach and physical dominance during his playing days, accused McNeil of having “no presence” on the pitch, insisting “it can’t keep happening” if Everton are to climb the Premier League table.

The match on January 7, 2026, saw Everton take an early lead through Michael Keane’s opportunistic strike, only for Wolves to equalize late via Mateus Mane. The game descended into chaos with red cards for Jack Grealish and another player, leaving David Moyes’ side with nine men but clinging on for a point. Despite the resilience shown in holding out, Ferguson’s post-match analysis as a pundit pulled no punches, focusing on McNeil’s anonymous display.

McNeil, who started on the left flank, was substituted late in the game amid growing fan frustration. Ferguson highlighted the 26-year-old’s failure to impose himself physically or creatively, drawing contrasts with his own era of battling forwards. “You’ve got to have presence out there,” Ferguson reportedly fumed.

“McNeil was invisible at times – no duels won, no threat in the box. It can’t keep happening if we want to win games like this.”The criticism comes amid a turbulent season for McNeil, who has faced scrutiny over inconsistent form and links to a potential January exit, with Wolves ironically among rumored suitors earlier in the window. Moyes has defended his squad depth issues, but Ferguson’s blunt assessment echoes wider concerns among supporters about the team’s lack of cutting edge.

Everton, hovering in mid-table under returning boss Moyes, have shown flashes of promise but dropped points in winnable fixtures. Ferguson’s words serve as a rallying cry for more intensity, reminiscent of the fighting spirit he embodied in royal blue. As the Toffees push for European spots, players like McNeil will need to step up – or risk further ire from club icons.