Gilberto Silva and Freddie Ljungberg
Dan Ballard has been making waves at Sunderland with his impressive performances this season. The 24-year-old defender has not only been solid at the back but has also contributed offensively, scoring twice and providing an assist. His performances have caught the attention of several pundits, including former Sunderland player Micky Gray and ex-Arsenal talent Freddie Ljungberg.
Micky Gray said: “If you want me to say a player who probably could be worth £60, 70, 80 million, I would say Dan Ballard. He has been incredible. And the goalkeeper, Robin Roefs, has been sensational as well. But Dan Ballard, for me… Look, he went away in the summer – and he’d obviously had the play-off semi-finals, he was the one who got them into the final with the header against Coventry late on – and said to himself, and not many players would probably do this, and said, ‘Look, I’m not strong enough to be a Premier League centre-half’. So he bulked himself up, worked on his pace, worked on his positioning and his leadership, and he has been absolutely phenomenal, he really.”
Freddie Ljungberg said: “He [Ballard] is a special man. You know, you have a soft spot for players sometimes… Before I came in there [Arsenal] – I had him with the 21s – some of them maybe didn’t rate him so highly… I was on the pitch for a bit and I was like, ‘I rate him’. He knows how to defend. When you spoke to him, he was like, ‘What can I do better? Could you just help me?’. Every day, he would ask me a question, wanted to get better. He’s had injuries, he’s had massive injuries, setbacks, kept on fighting, had to leave Arsenal, go to smaller clubs, prove himself there. They said here, I think, he’s a legend here already, but he’s been at Millwall and Blackpool, and the fans love him there too. He’s one of those players you want, and you just spoke about Granit Xhaka… Him [Ballard], I want him in our dressing room every day of the week because he will do anything for you. As long as he can win a game, he will do whatever you want.”
Ballard’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. After leaving Arsenal, where he faced significant injuries and challenges, he moved to clubs like Millwall and Blackpool, where he continued to develop and prove his worth. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he has become a key player for Sunderland. His ability to adapt and improve his physicality and leadership qualities has been pivotal in his rise. Both Gray and Ljungberg’s comments underscore Ballard’s potential and the high regard in which he is held by those who have seen him grow as a player. With such endorsements, Ballard is undoubtedly a player to watch in the coming seasons.
About The Author
