Tony Mowbray has heaped praise on Dan Ballard after his display against Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking following Sunderland’s win at Ewood Park, the Black Cats boss hailed Ballard as ‘outstanding’ and a ‘diamond’ after the defender kept them in the game in the first half.
Sunderland travelled to Blackburn off the back of two wins and were unbeaten in their past four matches, however things didn’t look very promising following kick-off.
Rovers dominated the game in the early stages and were getting shot after shot off, however it was thanks to some brilliant last-ditch tackles and blocks made by the Black Cats that kept it level.
Blackburn looked destined to score at one point when Anthony Patterson’s save came back out to a blue and white shirt, however a terrific double block from Ballard left them goalless.
The Wearside outfit took the lead with a penalty against the run of play before they equalised. However, a brilliant drilled shot from Dan Neil just on half-time gave Sunderland an advantage heading into the second half.
Rovers weren’t quite as sharp in the final 45 minutes and Sunderland were able to pick up some momentum before Jack Clarke’s stunner sealed the win.
Dan Ballard is a ‘warrior’, a ‘diamond’ and an ‘old-school centre-half’
While it was Clarke that has received the plaudits for his brace, Ballard has received high praise from his manager.
“He’s an outstanding defender, he’s a brilliant footballer,” Mowbray said.
“I say we’re lucky to have him, but it was brilliant recruitment to bring Dan Ballard to this football club.
“He’s a diamond of a lad. I’m not sure where his ceiling is but he’s a wonderful footballer and an old-school centre-half who puts his body on the line.
“And if he plays against a really strong player, he just gets stronger himself. He reacts to what’s in front of him.
“He needed to be good tonight against a good team. He’s a warrior, amazing really.
‘I do sit and worry sometimes that if Ballard gets injured, with total respect to the young centre-halves we have behind him, they’re not Dan Ballard.
“I believe Luke O’Nien’s voice and organisational skills are just as important as what Ballard brings. His composure to pick the first pass on the transition is really exceptional and he’s a really talented footballer as well.”