Bench to bedlam, zero to hero: Dan Ballard’s sudden rise at Sunderland
Dan Ballard has quickly established himself as a cult hero at Sunderland.
Life as a Sunderland fan have been filled with nothing but intrigue and increasing optimism, and none of that would have been possible without Ballard.
The Northern Ireland international has cemented his place in the history books with the Black Cats, and his contributions were recognised by a mural painted in Sunderland.
With that said, Ballard didn’t have the easiest of seasons on Wearside last time out, but something lit a fire in his belly that simply cannot be extinguished.
Ballard has become Sunderland’s Mr Inevitable
The 25-year-old was a starter at Sunderland in the Championship until an unfortunate injury ruled him out of action for over two months.
His return to fitness coincided with the emergence of Chris Mepham, which ultimately saw him drop down the pecking order under Regis Le Bris.
Fast forward to the play-offs, and Ballard became a different kind of beast.
Le Bris surprisingly opted to start Ballard in the first leg of the semi-finals against Coventry, and his display can only be described as monstrous.
He won 10 aerial duels against the Sky Blues and more than contributed to the 2-1 win at the CBS Arena, which would set Sunderland up nicely for one of the most memorable games in their history.
Ballard’s last four Sunderland appearances
- 32 aerial duels won
- 62 clearances
- Two goals
Ballard’s last-second equaliser in the home leg sent Sunderland to Wembley and the home support into absolute delirium.
His display carried into the play-off final, with another 10 aerial duels won, and that has immediately translated into the Premier League.
Ballard was again on the scoresheet for the Black Cats in their 3-0 hammering of West Ham in the Premier League opener, all but securing his status as a cult hero on Wearside.
- Read more: Dan Ballard heroics, Diarra quality – Three things learned from Sunderland’s win vs West Ham
What does this mean for Norde Mukiele?
Sunderland are expected to announce the signing of Nordi Mukiele in the next few hours, after a fee was agreed with PSG.
The 27-year-old is a Champions League-level defender, and yet he is going to have to fight for his place in the side at the Stadium of Light.
Ballard is the first name on the teamsheet as of right now, and that is just a showcase of how much of a whirlwind these last four months have been for the 25-year-old.
With that said, it was clear that Sunderland needed to bolster theoir defensive options this summer, and with the signing of Omar Alderete and the pending arrival of Mukiele, they have certainly achieved what they set out to do.
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