Having signed in the summer from Everton, McNeil has appeared in the last five games in all competitions and has found regular minutes playing a variety of different positions.
The former Burnley man came close to his first Palace goal in the win over Fulham in midweek and could be in line to feature against Roberto De Zerbi's Spurs side at the weekend.
"Across 30 minutes, he played as a ten, as a nine and in midfield," explained Sage. "And this versatility is really important for us because we know in a game, things can change, and he's able to adapt quickly.
"If needed 10 minutes to adapt to a chance of position, maybe the score would not be the same at the end.
"This is really important for us. I don't have to explain too much, because I think you saw on the pitch the energy of this player, and you can see the difference between the player of the beginning of the season and now.
"It's because of his ambition. You can always improve, do things differently, become a better person and a better player.
"I think when you accept this process your life can change."