'Best player on the pitch' - Troy Deeney names Sunderland star in Team of the Week after late Arsenal draw
Sunderland drew 2-2 with Arsenal on Saturday evening
Troy Deeney has included Sunderland defender Dan Ballard in his Premier League Team of the Week following his towering performance against Arsenal on Saturday evening.
The centre-back provided a goal and an assist in a 2-2 draw against the Gunners, as well producing a vital block in the dying embers of the contest to maintain parity and secure a point for his side.
That result leaves Sunderland fourth in the table, seven points off the summit, heading into the international break, and after yet another stunning weekend on Wearside, Deeney has been quick to hail Ballard for his role in the Black Cats’ latest eye-catching display.
What has Troy Deeney said about Sunderland defender Dan Ballard?
Writing in his weekly column for BBC Sport, Deeney said: “[Ballard was the] Best player on the pitch in the draw with Arsenal. I know Gunners fans will be annoyed with that but the simple beauty of being able to be physical and have sense and understanding of the game, tactical awareness. What a finish as well. He has really surprised me because I thought he might be one who would struggle stepping up from the Championship but so far he has been excellent.”
The rest of Deeney’s Team of the Week is made up of Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, Chelsea full-back Malo Gusto, Everton star Michael Keane, Crystal Palace new boy Jaydee Canvot, Manchester City midfielder Nico Gonzalez, Nottingham Forest stalwart Elliot Anderson, Villa talent Amadou Onana, Brentford standout Igor Thiago, and City winger Jeremy Doku.
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What else has been said about Sunderland defender Dan Ballard?
Speaking on Match of the Day, pundit Alan Shearer also heaped praise on Ballard, saying: “Well, particularly Dan Ballard, I think he epitomised everything that Sunderland have done so well, particularly at home this season with his aggression, with him and his teammates stopping Arsenal playing, particularly in that first half. And they are really, really tough to play against. And there were so many examples of that today with him and other players putting their body on the line, for their team and for the atmosphere.”
Shearer pointed to several key moments where Ballard showcased his defensive intelligence and physicality, praising his timing, positioning and authority in tight spaces. “And I said, he sort of summed everything up. We're going to talk about this after, but look how difficult it is to get through, how many players they've got behind the ball. And then I think that's really good defending.”
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