Dan Ballard

SUN

• #5 • Center Back

Dan Ballard

SUN

• #5 • Center Back

Nationality

Northern Ireland

Position

Role

Controlled Centre Back

Birthdate (Age)

Sep 22, 1999 (26)

Preferred Foot

Right

Height

6'2"

Weight

187 lb

Club

Sunderland

League

Premier League

Ranking

Premier League

2026/2027 All matches

Overall grade

67.2

134/362

Impact score

124/362

Defender rank

60th

60/134

All rank

147th

147/362

Top 5 Leagues

2026/2027 All matches

Defender rank

200th

200/645

All rank

528th

528/1,701

Grades

Key Grades

2026/2027 Premier League

Overall

55th/134 DEF

67.2

Passing

39th/134 DEF

69.2

1 V 1 Defending

92nd/125 DEF

60.1

Aerial Duel

9th/120 DEF

73.2

Positioning

27th/128 DEF

75.1

Blocking

67th/127 DEF

64.1

Overall Grades by game

2026/2027 Premier League

Metrics

Key Metrics

2026/2027 Premier League

Appearances

298

Minutes

Goals

Assists

Upcoming matches

News

Sep 6, 2026

Strong defensive output

Ballard had one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Brentford.

Analysis: Ballard has now recorded exactly seven clearances in each of his first three Premier League appearances, establishing a remarkably consistent defensive workload at center-back. His seven clearances Saturday again highlighted his importance when Sunderland were forced to defend their box, while his one shot and involvement in the disallowed goal showed the threat he can provide from set pieces. That combination of defensive volume and occasional attacking involvement should keep him firmly established in Sunderland's back line.

Aug 31, 2026

Single shot from backline

Ballard registered one shot (zero on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 win against Fulham.

Analysis: Ballard took a single shot from the backline and kept a clean sheet during Sunday's win. It's a nice performance, especially in a match where he kept Fulham from ever putting a shot on goal. If Ballard and Sunderland keep playing like this he could have plenty of defensive upside.