Millwall caught a glimpse of Sunderland hero starring in the Premier League | OneFootball

Millwall caught a glimpse of Sunderland star Daniel Ballard's talents during his loan spell with the Lions in the 2021/22 campaign

Everyone is aware of Millwall's reputation both on and off the pitch, and especially in recent years, the Lions have played a role in developing some incredible young talent who have thrived during their stay at The Den.

Millwall are looking to finally become a Premier League club, having never played in the top flight since its inception in 1992.

The Lions, led by Alex Neil, came within whiskers away from automatic promotion last season and subsequently fell short in the play-offs, whereas this season they are looking to make no such mistake.

Millwall's impeccable transfer strategy over recent years has played a pivotal role in their rise, as the likes of Romain Esse, Femi Azeez, Japhet Tanganga, and Zian Flemming have passed through South Bermondsey previously before being sold for lucrative fees.

However, the capital-based club have shown their nous in the loan market, too, playing a pivotal role in the development of some incredible talent.

Millwall loaned Daniel Ballard from Arsenal for the 2021/22 campaign

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Back in the summer of 2021, Millwall had just finished the previous Championship campaign in 11th under Gary Rowett, and was looking to build upon the foundations set by his predecessor, Neil Harris, and the ones he had laid for himself.

George Saville, Scott Malone, and George Long were the only permanent additions that summer, as Benik Afobe joined on loan from Stoke City, and Daniel Ballard arrived on loan from Arsenal.

Ballard had progressed through the youth system at Arsenal, but never broke through to the first team, instead spending time out on loan with Swindon Town and Blackpool, mightily impressing in the latter in the third tier, as Ballard made the move to The Den and the step up to the Championship.

Daniel Ballard shone at Millwall before excelling with Sunderland

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Ballard would be instantly thrust into the starting XI for Millwall in Rowett's back three shape, competing with the likes of Jake Cooper, Murray Wallace, Alex Pearce, Alex Mitchell, and Shaun Hutchinson.

It didn't take long for the Arsenal loanee to endear himself to the Millwall faithful with his no-nonsense performances in the heart of defence, as Ballard made the jump to the Championship from League One look seamless.

He would miss just one league game up until the end of November, before suffering a knee injury, ruling him out for three months, but upon his return to fitness, he would continue where he left off.

In total, Ballard would make 33 appearances for Millwall across all competitions as the Lions finished ninth, and his performances led Sunderland to part ways with around £2 million for his services the following summer, where he hasn't looked back since.

Daniel Ballard leads the way in a key statistic in the Premier League this season

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Upon his arrival on Wearside, Ballard would continue to struggle with injuries initially, making just 19 league appearances in his first season for the Black Cats, but would follow that up with 43 Championship games in his second, announcing himself as one of the best defenders in the division.

However, injuries would halt his minutes once again in the 2024/25 campaign, but that wouldn't prevent him from creating history, scoring a dramatic late winner against Coventry City in the play-off semi-final at the Stadium of Light to send Sunderland to Wembley, where they would prevail over Sheffield United in the final and return to the Premier League after eight years away.

Ballard has remained a key figure in the heart of defence for Sunderland since their promotion, and has once again adapted seamlessly to the step up in quality.

This season, according to WhoScored, Ballard has won more duels (45) than any player in the division heading into the international break, becoming virtually undroppable under Le Bris.

He may be shining in the Premier League and Europe for Sunderland now, but Millwall played a key role in him becoming the player he is today.

Millwall helped to develop Daniel Ballard into the player he is today

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Certainly, without his time at The Den, Ballard would not have become the player that he is today.

Millwall have helped to develop the likes of Charlie Cresswell and Japhet Tanganga in recent years, whilst Caleb Taylor and Tristan Crama have gone from strength to strength more recently alongside Jake Cooper at the back.

The Lions surely would have loved to have kept Ballard, especially after seeing his career trajectory since, though they can take pride knowing they played a pivotal role in his development.