Dan Ballard has received plenty more praise after another solid display for Sunderland.
The defender was awarded an ‘8’ rating by the Sunderland Echo for his ‘excellent’ performance against Leicester City.
Dan Ballard has become one of the Black Cats’ most important players after arriving from Arsenal last summer.
The 24-year-old became a fan favourite last season, however his struggles with injuries hampered his progression on Wearside.
Bar a few niggles, Ballard has managed to stay fit in the opening months of the new campaign and has been absolutely outstanding at the back, whilst also chipping in with goals against QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.
Despite a defeat against Leicester, that also saw the Foxes hit the post twice, Ballard is once again on the end of a flurry of compliments.
Writing for the Sunderland Echo, Phil Smith said: “An excellent performance. Sunderland’s plan revolved around leaving him up against his striker and trusting him to win the duel. More often than not, he did. Very impressive.”
Is Dan Ballard Sunderland’s most important player?
Sunderland were left concerned when Dan Ballard faced late fitness tests ahead of both trips to Stoke and Leicester, however the centre-back was available for both matches.
While the visitors still lost at the King Power Stadium last night, I was very worried about the state of our defence if our £15k-per-week star man had had to be replaced by Jenson Seelt.
The Dutchman will undoubtedly be a solid defender for Sunderland, however he really lacks experience and is still far from the quality of his teammate.
While it is Jack Clarke who is bagging the goals, Dan Ballard has been just as important in what has been an up-and-down start to the Championship season.