“I’ve Surprised Myself” – Ballard Reflects on Premier League Journey

Sunderland Defender Shares Personal Insights

Sunderland’s defender Dan Ballard has expressed his initial doubts about successfully transitioning to the Premier League but admits he has been pleasantly surprised by both his performance and that of the team since their return to the top tier.

At 26 years old, Ballard has made an impressive contribution, featuring in 17 out of Sunderland’s 21 league matches and netting two goals, one of which was a standout strike against his former team, Arsenal, in a memorable 2-2 draw.

Confidence and Competition

Ballard’s efforts have played a key role in stabilizing Sunderland, who currently sit comfortably in 10th place, well away from relegation threats. He credits his hard work during pre-season for securing his place in the squad, especially with new defensive arrivals like Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele.

“I was genuinely surprised by how well we’ve performed in the Premier League,” Ballard shared in an interview with BBC Sport NI’s Thomas Kane. “Remaining in the squad and doing well has been an added bonus.”

Acknowledging the challenges of adapting to the Premier League, he reflected, “There’s always that uncertainty when entering a new league, particularly at this level where the competition is fierce.”

Prioritizing Safety

Ballard, who previously worried he might not see Premier League action after departing Arsenal, insists the primary goal for the Black Cats remains securing their league status. With the club just 10 points away from the crucial 40-point mark, he emphasized the importance of focusing on safety first.

“Our main objective is to maintain our position in the league, and we haven’t accomplished that yet,” he remarked. “We’ve had a busy festive schedule and accrued some valuable points, but there remains half a season to play. We need to return to our strengths to ensure our survival as soon as possible.”

Northern Ireland’s Ambitious Outlook

Mix It Up with the Giants

In addition to his club duties, Ballard is geared up for a crucial World Cup play-off against Italy with the Northern Ireland national team. Despite concerns over the absence of key players like right-back Conor Bradley due to a knee injury, he remains optimistic.

“It’s a thrilling chance, and in the last few years, there hasn’t been a moment this significant for us to qualify for a major tournament,” he stated. “Our performances against Germany gave us confidence that we can compete with top-tier nations.”

Acknowledging the tough competition ahead, Ballard noted, “We will approach the match without pressure, allowing us to enjoy the experience. The onus will be on them, and we know we can make things difficult for more established teams.”