Sunderland player ratings v Real Betis: Ballard impresses, 4/10 dud out of his depth
Sunderland continued their preparations for the new Premier League season by taking on Real Betis at the Stadium of Light.
Despite falling to a 1-0 defeat to the La Liga outfit thanks to a 74th-minute header from Aitor Ruibal, Regis Le Bris will have plenty of positives to take from the game.
New arrival Granit Xhaka featured alongside Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki as the new-look Black Cats midfield got its first run-out.
Mackem News analyses the player performances of those in a red and white shirt as Sunderland’s Premier League campaign edges ever closer.
Dan Ballard impresses in defence
Sunderland faced a real challenge against Betis, with the Spanish side finishing sixth in La Liga last season.
There plethora of attacking talent, including notable names like Isco, with the attacking midfielder contributing to numerous Champions League triumphs at Real Madrid.
Ballard did not seem to be fazed or look out of his depth, however, proving the centre-half is ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
His composure on the ball was evident, and he kept Cedric Bakambu quiet for the hour or so that the striker was on the pitch at the Stadium of Light.
The goal conceded was not Ballard’s fault, either, with the left-hand side of the Sunderland defence falling asleep.
Mayenda struggles to lead Sunderland line
Despite all of the Black Cats’ spending in the window, it is clear Le Bris still needs to address certain areas of his squad.
The striker position is one of them, and Eliezer Mayenda’s performance against Betis is another example of why.
The Spaniard looked isolated throughout the game and failed to make an impact on the contest.
His performance led to criticism from supporters online as doubts about relying on the 20-year-old in the top flight have emerged.
Mayenda lacked the natural poacher’s instinct needed within the box to get on the end of some of the balls whipped into the area, and this will ultimately cost Le Bris next season if this is not addressed.
Sunderland player ratings v Real Betis
Robin Roefs – 6
Trai Hume – 6
Dan Ballard – 7
Reinildo Mandava – 6
Harrison Jones – 5
Habib Diarra – 7
Noah Sadiki – 6
Granit Xhaka – 7
Chemsdine Talbi – 5
Eliezer Mayenda – 4
Simon Adingra – 6
Subs:
Niall Huggins – 5
Enzo Le Fee – 6
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