Sunderland: Dan Ballard issues opinion on "brilliant" Regis Le Bris | OneFootball

The central defender is working his way back to full fitness.

Dan Ballard has described Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris as "brilliant" after the club's strong start to the new season.

Four from four: that's what Le Bris' Black Cats have done so far in the new Championship season.

After finishing 16th in the previous campaign, not many would have predicted that Sunderland would top the table heading into the first international break, but boy do they look strong.

Even after losing such an influential player like Jack Clarke, they have continued to make strong strides under their new boss, who has quickly quietened those who questioned his credentials.

Their latest performance in the league, a 3-1 victory over newly promoted Portsmouth, encompassed all that has been good about this Sunderland side since the Frenchman arrived in the northeast.

New signing Alan Browne got his first goal for the club, youthful players like Chris Rigg, Romain Mundle and Eliezer Mayenda continued to shine, and they had a robustness at the back; it's just what Le Bris would have hoped for when he was appointed.

He's brought a confidence and a steadiness to this team that wasn't present throughout the turbulent times of 2023/24, and that has been recognised by the players.

Dan Ballard's take on Regis Le Bris

Ballard is slowly returning to full fitness after suffering a knee injury in July. The 24-year-old Northern Ireland international has been selected to play for his country, alongside Sunderland teammate Trai Hume, during this break away from domestic football, after only making one start (against Pompey) since the start of the season.

Even still, the former Arsenal academy member has been impressed by Le Bris' approach, especially in contrast to what came before him.

"It wasn't ideal," said Ballard, to the Sunderland Echo, on the frequent changing of managers last season. "It was strange because we have a similar squad now as we did last year.

"The lads have had a full pre-season together and we have made a few additions. There is just a feel-good factor around the club and a few players have got their chance and have really done well.

"The manager has been brilliant, we have a clear way of playing and we know it works now so it's going to give us more confidence."

Ballard started the match at Fratton Park alongside captain Luke O'Nien, playing the full 90 minutes. His return came at a good time after fellow central defender Aji Alese picked up an ankle injury which is set to sideline him for around 12 weeks.

Ballard insisted that he is now back to his best after missing a good chunk of the build-up to the new campaign. "I am physically good now, I missed most of pre-season which was a bit of a pain. My knee feels really good now, I just need to get some game-time."

Dan Ballard will play an important role for Sunderland this season

At 24, the Northern Irishman has proved that he is one of the premier defenders in the Championship when fit and healthy. That caveat doesn't tend to be much of a problem for him - he started 43 of the 46 games that Sunderland played last season - but, after a knee injury, there has to be some level of doubt.

Providing he can remain on the pitch, especially now that Alese is down for a significant period, Ballard will be key to any big promotion push that the Black Cats make this season.

Having that reassuring presence at the back can be the foundation that allows the talents in front of him to get up the pitch, knowing that they have strong cover behind them, and force the opposition to camp in their own half. Without a player like Ballard, asserting that in-game dominance will be harder to do.