Dan Ballard’s excellence highlighted once again as he leads fantastic Premier League stat
Dan Ballard’s aerial threat is proving to be a huge weapon in Sunderland’s arsenal this season.
Ballard’s cult-hero status at Sunderland rose to new levels after scoring in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
Ballard‘s aerial presence was crucial against Arsenal’s Mikel Merino, but it was his emphatic strike that sent the Black Cats supporters into delirium.
With two Premier League goals this season, the Northern Irish defender has been a wall in defence and as impressive in the attacking box.
Regis Le Bris has done an excellent job with the Black Cats, and Ballard has played a massive role in crucial goals that have left Sunderland 4th going into the international break.
Dan Ballard is perfect when attacking corners
Not only did Ballard assist Brian Brobbey’s dramatic equaliser, but he then made a goal-saving block to deny Merino at the death in what was one of the best individual performances of the season
It’s ironic that Ballard’s goal against Arsenal came from a brilliant touch and half-volley, but his greatest threat has been from corners.
According to Opta, Ballard has had six shots with the first contact of the ball following a corner, the best of any player in the Premier League.
| Stat | Dan Ballard |
| Tackles | 9 |
| Blocks | 8 |
| Recoveries | 12 |
| Ground duels won | 59 |
| Aerial duels won | 40 |
Ballard’s powerful header against West Ham on the opening day of the season, and he’s made a habit of scoring huge goals at the Stadium of Light.
The 26-year-old made six clearances and five headed clearances in Saturday’s game, and supporters couldn’t be happier with how he’s adapted to the top-flight.
Ballard has also been impressive on the ball, registering a pass accuracy of 82.7 per cent, but it’s clear where his strengths lie, making 26 touches in the opposition box, which is more than any other centre-back has achieved.
Having played for Arsenal in his youth career, Ballard will be pleased on a personal level to be the key difference-maker against the league leaders, and he has quickly cemented himself as one of the best centre-backs in the league.
He was without his normal partner in crime, Omar Alderete, and Nordi Mukiele slotted in seamlessly at the heart of the defence.
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Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele complement Dan Ballard brilliantly
Alderete has been immense for Sunderland since his move from Getafe in the summer transfer window.
His goal against Nottingham Forest also proved that he can be a huge threat from offensive set pieces, and Le Bris has built a team of players who are physically ready for the challenge of the Premier League.
Mukiele has been outstanding for the Black Cats, with his versatility in defence proving to be invaluable.
All three defenders are completely different, but they have performed admirably alongside each other and they all know exactly what their role in the team is.
Sunderland have developed an extraordinary defence, and any team that comes up against the Black Cats will have their work cut out for them.
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