One of the big conundrums heading into our Premier League game with Wolves is centered around Dan Ballard and how Régis Le Bris may go about getting him into his backline.
Big Dan has been synonymous with Sunderland’s rise to the Premier League and has already demonstrated in minimal appearances that he can be a real asset in this division. However, as has happened far too often during his stint on Wearside, he also lost his place due to injury.
In his absence, Omar Alderete and Nordi Mukiele were
formidable, guiding the Lads to two clean sheets — including one against a superb Crystal Palace side — and despite a setback at Old Trafford, they’ve rightly cemented themselves in Le Bris’ starting eleven.
Of course, given the latest injury news regarding Alderete, it appears that Ballard has an easy way back into the team, although the extent of the Paraguay international’s injury is yet to be confirmed by the club. While our gaffer may decide to rest the South American warrior regardless of his availability, sooner or later there’ll be a scenario when all three are fit.
If Le Bris has all three of his bruisers available for the visit of the Premier League’s bottom side, it would surely be unfathomable for him to drop either Mukiele or Alderete. Although they can’t speak the same language, they’ve formed a strong bond, complementing each other’s differing styles in front of the assured Robin Roefs.
On the face of it, the defeat to Manchester United might’ve looked like a convincing one.
However, when you take into account Bertrand Traore’s miss and the key refereeing decisions, it could’ve been an entirely different story. Of course, the facts are that we conceded two goals — and it could’ve been more if it weren’t for our “Reliant Robin”.
While Le Bris strived to change the outcome of the game, there was one decision that made Sunderland stronger: the introduction of Ballard in the 37th minute.
Indeed, that decision led to the Black Cats fielding a back three of Ballard, Alderete and Mukiele, which provided a sturdy foundation. Furthermore, we were more of an attacking threat from set-pieces and the Northern Irishman should’ve buried his free header from a corner.
Interestingly, Ballard also came on in the 37th minute against Aston Villa, although that decision was forced due to Reinildo’s red card. However, the defender also made a positive impact both defensively and offensively; after the break, Ballard became a battering ram that Unai Emery’s backline simply couldn’t handle, and he’s since replicated this form on international duty against Germany.
So, how does Le Bris get Ballard into his team when Alderete and Mukiele are fit? I think the only solution is to move to a back three, which may not be something that he wants to do.
In doing so, it would likely mean that our wingers suffer, with Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra dropping to the bench, whilst Trai Hume and whoever plays on the left can play as wing-backs. A knock-on effect could also mean playing two strikers, which I don’t believe would be the worst idea in the world.
Although Ballard is famed for his defensive prowess, I’d say that it’s his attacking potential that means he’s worthy of a place in Le Bris’ lineup. The Arsenal academy product has registered seven shots and is behind only Wilson Isidor and Talbi in that metric. Furthermore, the Lads have been menacing from set pieces and we must surely play to our strengths.
This weekend, I expect Ballard to partner with Mukiele in a back four if Alderete is indeed out with injury; however , when all three are fit and ready, why not field a physical and intimidating back three?
