Daniel Ballard 

In this scout report on Sunderland's Daniel Ballard, the 25-year-old centre back stands out with his robust defensive capabilities and an intriguing knack for contributing to goal opportunities. Ballard's style of play is marked by his solid penalty area defending, showcasing a keen sense of anticipation and a strong presence in duels. He's adept at recovering possession, which is crucial for a centre back, allowing Sunderland to quickly regain control and transition into attack. While his progressive passing isn't his standout feature, his surprisingly high chance creation and goal efficiency stats reveal a hidden flair for influencing play further up the field. However, his progressive carrying needs refinement, suggesting he's more comfortable with positional play rather than driving forward. Overall, Ballard's combination of defensive solidity and unexpected attacking contributions make him an asset worth keeping an eye on in the Championship.