OVER the years Dan Neil has been frequently asked what he thinks is his best midfield position.

Is he most at home sitting deep at the base of the midfield? Is he at his best with the freedom to bounce from box to box? Or is he actually a No.10, most effective supporting a centre forward?

The latter, he's happy to admit, is no longer a consideration, but whether he's at his best as a number six or a number eight is something previous Sunderland bosses have pondered.

Regis Le Bris quickly made his mind up: he wants Neil as a six, sitting as the sole pivot in the midfield - and Sunderland's new captain is enjoying his new role.

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“It’s always been a question, even going back to my days in the academy," he said.

"Am I a six? Am I an eight? Back then, it was also, ‘Am I a 10?’ I think we can safely say I’m not a 10 anymore!

"I enjoy both roles. When you’re playing as a six, you get a lot of the ball but you’re not as close to the goal to get goal involvements.

"If you play further up the pitch, you’re going to get more goal involvements, but you’re not going to see as much of the ball. I think one of my attributes is organising and being that voice on the pitch, and you can do that easier by being deeper.

"Some of the best midfielders in the world are sixes. I’m enjoying the role.

"I’ve still got a lot to learn because it’s a different type of number six that we’re playing with now. Last year, we played with two pivots in there and now we’re playing with one. I just need to keep working on it, but I’m enjoying the role."

After the opening day win at Cardiff, Le Bris is likely to stick with the midfield three of Neil, Alan Browne and Jobe Bellingham for Sunday's visit of Sheffield Wednesday, though Chris Rigg staked his claim with a hugely impressive showing at Preston in midweek. Pierre Ekwah is also now fit and came through the game at Deepdale unscathed.