Dan Ballard

A tough centre-back who throws himself into defending with total commitment. He plays like a leader, strong in the air and honest in the way he protects the box.

Northern Ireland | Defender

Your Player Snapshot.

Ballard gives Sunderland aerial strength, physical duelling and determined box defending, crucial for a side that often faces sustained pressure.

He’s vocal, brave in blocks, and plays with the energy of someone who treats defending as a mindset rather than a job.

Season Snapshot

League only
Minutes played
2148
74.06 per match
Tackles won
18
Interceptions
20
Clean sheets contributed
185
as defensive proxy

Team Stats

Per 90 & season totals
Appearances
29
Minutes played
2148
Tackles won
18
Interceptions
20
Clearances
185
Blocks
24

League Rankings

Among Premier League Stats defenders
Tackles won
85th of 165
Interceptions
74th of 169
Clearances
18th of 177
Blocks
16th of 164

Upcoming Sunderland fixtures

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Real Stats, Real Players, Unreal Categories.

Dan Ballard: The Box Warrior

Sunderland’s defensive battler, built to head, block and fight for every inch in front of goal.

Ballard defends like he’s protecting something personal. He attacks crosses, wins first contacts and throws his body into blocks with a kind of commitment supporters instantly respect. Sunderland will always face periods without the ball, and Ballard is built for that reality, making danger feel smaller through pure resilience.

He also sets the tone. His aggression spreads through the defence, turning nervous moments into competitive ones. Ballard isn’t about glamour, he’s about survival football done properly, and Sunderland’s shape is stronger because he defends the box like it’s his responsibility alone.

All things Sunderland

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