Dan Ballard can have the last laugh against Newcastle United to complete Sunderland redemption arc
Dan Ballard has been brilliant for Sunderland this season and can have the last laugh against Newcastle United
Dan Ballard has been sensational for Sunderland when called upon this season.
Daniel George Ballard. It’s no understatement to say the Sunderland centre-half has etched himself into modern Red and White folklore in recent years.
The 26-year-old has made over 100 appearances for the Black Cats since his move to the Stadium of Light from Arsenal. He has played a key role in Sunderland’s transformation from Championship newcomers to a Premier League surprise package.
His header against Coventry City in the 122nd minute of extra-time in the Championship Play-Off semi-final is one of the greatest and most important goals scored on the banks of the River Wear.
Fast forward a few months to November, and Ballard was at it again. This time, against his former club, he scored the opening goal to give Sunderland the lead against Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal would come behind to take a 2-1 lead into the dying embers of the game, but a late Brian Brobbey goal ensured a share of the spoils.
For all the money invested into Sunderland’s squad this summer, especially in the heart of defence, it’s been Ballard who has arguably been the most consistent in terms of his performance.
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He’s an absolute man mountain at the back and a key part in both attacking and defending set pieces. When the club brought in Omar Alderete, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Nordi Mukiele, you’d have been forgiven for thinking Ballard would have to settle for a place on the bench.
But the key figures at Sunderland did not. New director of football Florent Ghisolfi has put his own stamp on things since arriving at the Stadium of Light, but he has also gone on record to name-drop Ballard as a key figure in their plans.
“We are not afraid to give space to young players if they have the mentality,” he told the Athletic. “But in terms of squad-building our attitude is to first improve the squad as individuals. Today when you see Dan Ballard, you understand. I can go to the market, all of them, I cannot find a Ballard.
“He is Sunderland — hard work, resilience, talent. A very discreet guy, but he is afraid of nothing, he is a killer, a machine. I can look in Argentina, other markets, I can’t find Ballard. So we have to value this player. We know he has to play regularly.”
Sunderland’s Dan Ballard (left) and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon clash in the last derby(Image: PA)
Such high praise from such a key figure only speaks volumes about the man. Which is why, ahead of the derby, to see some Newcastle supporters highlight Ballard’s performance in the most recent meeting between the two sides as a weakness is laughable.
Newcastle would of course run out 3-0 winners in the FA Cup third round clash between the two sides, with Ballard scoring an own goal and giving away a penalty in the 90th minute, which Alexander Isak dispatched. Sure, it was an afternoon to forget.
People often say you learn more about yourself in tough moments than in the good spells, and that’s true for Ballard. That season, Sunderland finished just six points above the relegation zone, and the centre-half had to endure a number of injury problems.
But since Regis Le Bris’ arrival at the club, Ballard has risen to the challenge and become a real leader in the squad. Not that Sunderland fans feel he needs to redeem himself for his last performance against the Magpies, but he’ll be eager to put the record straight.
He’s come on leaps and bounds since then and is a real threat from set pieces, an area in which Newcastle have struggled in recent weeks. Ballard might well just be a surprise unsung hero come the final whistle on Sunday.
