‘The best’… Sunderland captain Dan Neil heaps the praise on ‘outstanding’ play-off hero
Sunderland star Dan Neil has hailed one standout from the two Championship play-off semi-finals vs Coventry City.
Sunderland have confirmed their place in the Championship play-off final after a last-gasp winner from Dan Ballard saw off Frank Lampard’s Coventry City.
The game was decided in the most dramatic circumstances by Ballard, who rose above the Coventry back-line and cannoned home a header.
On top of his heroic moment, Sunderland defender Ballard was incredible in both legs, diminishing the threat of Coventry’s brilliant attacking side, keeping the likes of Haji Wright and Jack Rudoni at bay.
Many have praised the Black Cats man for his performances, and the latest person to join in on this is Dan Neil.
Dan Neil praises ‘outstanding centre-back’ Dan Ballard after Sunderland heroics vs Coventry City
The entire Sunderland squad did brilliantly well to commit to Regis Le Bris’ defensive tactics, whilst also providing a potent threat in the final third. Of course the goalscorer in the home clash played a pivotal part in this, notably notching 39 clearances across the two legs.
Sunderland captain Dan Neil recognised his fine efforts in both legs, which led to the skipper making the claim that he is ‘one of, if not the best centre-halves in this league’ when fully fit, he said when speaking to the Sunderland Echo.
Neil continued: “He’s strong, quick, powerful, he organises, he’s good on the ball,” Neil explained. “He’s an outstanding centre-back, and we’ve seen that over the last two legs.”
Dan Ballard will be involved in pivotal battle in play-off final vs Sheffield United
After such an incredible run of two games, it is safe to say that, whilst there were plenty of debates over whether Ballard or fellow centre-back Chris Mepham would star, those arguments have been quashed.
Playing alongside the shorter and more versatile Luke O’Nien at centre-half, Ballard will be relied upon to deal with Sheffield United’s striker, which could likely be Tyrese Campbell, Kieffer Moore or Tom Cannon.
With Sheffield United having a brilliant range of strikers at their disposal, Ballard must be ready, either to face the lofty and explosive threat of Moore or the quick and nimble Campbell, who are the two most likely to start. Based on Ballard’s last two appearances, though, there will be an expectation that it won’t be too difficult a task for the Sunderland hero.
