Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been a standout performer for the Black Cats this season.

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has heaped praise on Black Cats defender Dan Ballard after the Northern Ireland international put pen to paper on a fresh contract extension at the Stadium of Light over the weekend.

Following a stellar start to life in the Premier League, Ballard has been rewarded for his recent efforts with improved terms on a deal that will now run until 2029. The announcement of his contract news capped a positive weekend for the 26-year-old, who also scooped the North East Football Writers’ Association’s Player of the Year award in a ceremony on Sunday evening.

And speaking in a press conference on Monday ahead of his side’s midweek trip to Leeds United in the Premier League, Sunderland boss Le Bris was quick to hail his talismanic centre-back.

What has Regis Le Bris said about Sunderland defender Dan Ballard after contract extension?

Reacting to Ballard’s contract extension, Le Bris said: “This position as a centre-back is an important one in the squad, and he showed last season and this season that he was able to step up. You never know and you have to experience a new level and he showed so far that he's a great centre-back. You have to face often long balls, strong physicality in that area of the pitch and he's really good at that. But also we can feel that he's growing as a player, improving different areas with the ball, for example, and about his leadership as well.”

When quizzed on which areas of his game that he feels Ballard has improved most since his step up to the Premier League, Le Bris replied: “Consistency. It's probably the main point because last season it was clear that he was able to reach a high level. But the question in the Premier League is to do that every weekend and sometimes twice a week, and he did it so far, so it's key.”

Following his seamless adaptation to life in the top flight, as well as his unforgettable contribution to Sunderland’s successful play-off campaign, the Black Cats boss was also asked whether he had witnessed a player have a better year than Ballard, to which he responded: “Not often, to be fair, but it's good for him and it shows that it's not only him, it's across the squad, the club, the community. I think this year was so far really good and I hope we continue like that for a long time.”

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What has Dan Ballard said about his Sunderland contract extension?

Reflecting on his decision to extend his stay at Sunderland, Ballard himself told the club’s in-house media team: “I’m absolutely delighted to have signed a new contract. From the moment we began talks, it felt like an easy decision, and I’m happy to be extending my time at the club.

“Achieving promotion last season was incredible, and I feel very fortunate to have played a part in some special moments in the club’s recent history. My aim this season was to stay in the team, compete every day, and keep working hard to contribute. Hopefully, I can continue improving and help drive the club forward for many years to come.”

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