Sunderland U21s are unbeaten in their opening two matches of the Premier League 2 season.
The Black Cats have faced two fiery ties to kick off their campaign, facing both Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.
After claiming a point against the Magpies, Sunderland dug deep for a 3-2 win to take them up to sixth place.
Sunderland’s squad was littered with senior players though, with Dan Ballard, Ian Poveda and Luis Hemir all named in the starting line-up.
Tom Watson and Jewison Bennette (x2) claimed the victory for the hosts, while Ballard was one of a number of names who put an a dazzling performance.
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Dan Ballard poses huge threat to Aji Alese’s place in the team
The centre-back made his return to action following his injury and preseason and really showed Regis Le Bris what he can expect when he is back to full fitness.
Journalist James Copley awarded Ballard an eight rating in the Sunderland Echo, writing: “Made a crucial goal-saving intervention in the first half and looked assured as you would expect. He oozes class and quality.
“Will be pushing Luke O’Nien and Aji Alese very hard to start for the first-team in the coming weeks. Best player on the field before his withdrawal at half-time. Good for him to have some minutes in the bank.”
Ballard is yet to make an appearance this term due to injury and supporters were left concerned by how the team would cope without him.
However, Alese has since come in and helped keep three successive clean sheets.
Alese and O’Nien have been showered in praise, with the former earning a nine rating following their 1-0 win over Burnley.
The 24-year-old will surely have to settle for a place on the bench
Ballard is definitely the best defender on Wearside, but it would be extremely harsh to drop Alese as soon as his teammate is ready to play.
It’s a great headache for Le Bris to have, but it would be very surprising if the former Arsenal man isn’t forced to settle for a play on the bench until he can force his way back in.
There’s no doubt he will get his opportunity though as the schedule gets busier, while Alese’s own injury record will be a concern as he continues to play a key role in the team.
Earlier this year, it could well have been O’Nien whose place would be at risk, but he seems to be one of the first names on the team-sheet following his ‘excellent’ start to the season.