Sunderland survival hopes boosted as key star tops two Premier League stats already
Sunderland have enjoyed a brilliant return to the Premier League under Regis Le Bris.
Their eight-year hiatus from the top-flight marked a period of struggle both on and off the pitch, yet fans are reaping the rewards for their patience as Sunderland sit ninth in the Premier League.
Le Bris has been tactically excellent against established Premier League teams, and Granit Xhaka's influence in midfield has typified the Black Cats' attitude in crunch matches.
However, one Sunderland star is leading the way when it comes to two important stats.
Dan Ballard a warrior for Sunderland's defence
Dan Ballard has been an unsung hero for Sunderland this season, adapting seamlessly to Premier League football.
Le Bris has preferred Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete in recent weeks, with the pair gaining plaudits for their faultless performances against Nottingham Forest.
However, it is Ballard who has the most clearances per 90 (13.5) and the most blocks in the same average time (2).
| Appearances | 5 |
| Minutes played | 220 |
| Clearances per 90 | 13.5 |
| Blocks per 90 | 2 |
| Duels won (percentage) | 72.2 |
Ballard suffered an early-season injury against West Ham and has struggled to re-establish his starting role in the team.
Against Man United, he came on for Simon Adingra in the first half and was excellent in maintaining Sunderland's chances of gaining something out of the match.
With a crucial match against Wolves coming up straight after the international break, Ballard's defensive resilience must be used if Sunderland want to distance themselves even further from the relegation zone.
Mukiele and Alderete may appear undroppable at this stage, but Ballard will be raring to go after shining on the international stage with Northern Ireland.
Nordi Mukiele must move to right-back to allow Dan Ballard to start
Ballard instantly became a Sunderland hero last season when he scored the last-minute equaliser against Coventry to send the Mackems to the playoff final.
Having seen how effective he is in both boxes over the years, Le Bris could bring him in for someone like Trai Hume in the foreseeable future.
This would allow Mukiele to move across to right-back, and against Aston Villa at the Stadium of Light, he showed his strengths running with the ball following Reinildo's sending off.
Ballard's been invaluable for the Black Cats since joining in 2022, and he is taking to the Premier League like a duck to water.
With several tough away matches on the horizon, Ballard's die-hard commitment could prove incredibly useful in the months to come.
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