Regis Le Bris hails Dan Ballard as Sunderland defender signs deal to 2029 | OneFootball

Dan Ballard has signed a Sunderland contract extension to 2029, with Regis Le Bris praising the centre-back after a standout start in the Premier League. According to Sunderland Echo, the announcement came over the weekend and was followed by the North East Football Writers’ Association Player of the Year award on Sunday.

Speaking on Monday before a midweek Premier League visit to Leeds United, Le Bris lauded Ballard’s influence in a key position. He referenced the defender’s seamless rise across last season and this campaign.

The head coach highlighted Ballard’s command against long balls and physical forwards, and said he is progressing on the ball and as a leader. He underlined the central defensive role as vital to the squad.

Asked where the biggest improvement has come since stepping up to the top flight, Le Bris pointed to consistency. He noted Ballard had shown a high level last season, and the Premier League test is to repeat it every weekend, sometimes twice a week.

On whether he had seen a better year than Ballard’s, Le Bris admitted not often. He said the surge reflects the wider squad, the club and the community, and hopes the momentum continues for a long time.

Ballard said he was delighted to commit, describing talks as straightforward and his decision as easy. He called last season’s promotion incredible, aims to stay in the team and compete every day, and hopes to keep improving to help drive the club forward for years.

Source: Sunderland Echo