Dan Ballard believes the arrival of Granit Xhaka has had a tangible effect on Sunderland, helping the newly promoted side perform well in the Premier League.
The Switzerland midfielder, 33, joined this summer from Bayer Leverkusen and was handed the captaincy. His presence has coincided with Sunderland settling back into the top flight and challenging in the upper half of the table.
Sunderland sit eighth in the league, just two points shy of the top four, following a 1-0 derby victory over Newcastle. The club have won seven and lost four of their 16 league fixtures so far this season.
Ballard, who knew Xhaka from his time in Arsenal’s academy, described the midfielder’s impact and gave examples of how standards around the club have changed.
“He’s an amazing guy.”
“I was a bit surprised when we signed him. I wasn’t sure what it’d be like. I didn’t think one person could affect the team the way he’s done.”
“From minute one, I think the standards really rose because he does everything to 100%.”
“It’s kind of like, well if he’s got that amazing career and he’s still doing everything perfectly, why wouldn’t we? And I think it just sort of lifted the standards.”
Ballard pointed to Xhaka’s approach in training and off the pitch as a catalyst for change within the squad.
“I mean literally everything, from the work in the gym to the standards, he puts out on the training pitch,” added the centre-back, 26.
“You know we’ve just been outside, it can be cold and wet and but he’s 100% focused and giving everything in training.”
“So when some of us boys may be not putting that work in and you see him doing it, it’s unacceptable for us.”
“If he’s doing it, he’s won titles and played hundreds of games in the Premier League. Then why shouldn’t we? It’s lifted everyone.”
Ballard joined Sunderland in 2022 and was integral to last season’s promotion. He spent three seasons without a senior appearance at Arsenal before establishing himself as a Premier League regular and earning international recognition with Northern Ireland.
“I wasn’t really the best player in my age groups and stuff,” he said, reflecting on his path.
“I had to fight for every opportunity and every chance. It wasn’t smooth sailing, but coming up at an academy like that [Arsenal’s], there’s so many good coaches and so many people to teach you things if you’re willing to listen and learn.
“You can start a career out there for yourself, and I’ve managed to do that.”
French coach Regis le Bris, who arrived in the summer of 2024, has also been credited with transforming Sunderland’s approach. The team have produced notable results under his guidance, including victories and strong performances against top opposition.
“He’s been amazing for us, a really good fit,” Ballard said of the manager.
“It was a really young team last year, but the way he plays and sets things out so simply [is key].”
“He knows exactly what he wants, and he’ll tell you exactly what he wants, and there’s no beating around the bush, he’s always coaching you.”
“I’ve learned so much, probably more in the last year of my career than all the years before that.”
“He has got us playing really well this last year, and he’s made us a really strong, competitive team.”
Read more on The Global Herald
