Dan Ballard reveals secret behind success of partnership with Danny Batth

Dan Ballard has talked up fellow defender Danny Batth, saying clear communication is the key to their increasingly exciting partnership.

Batth is a rare experienced voice in a very young Sunderland side, and he has formed a fine partnership with Ballard since the former Arsenal man returned from injury.

They are both physically very dominant, which of course helps. However, Ballard says it is actually the things that fans don’t see that is proving the secret to their success as a pair.

Speaking about Batth, Ballard said “I think it’s great playing next to him.

“He’s very experienced and is someone I can learn a lot from. He keeps me on my toes a lot of the time and is always giving me information and the players around him information.

“It’s all positive talk, giving a lot of information, tracking runners, where the opposition are. There is no talking for the sake of it, it’s good information and a lot of encouragement as well.

“It’s good to know that the team-mate next to you or the team-mate in front of you or behind you is going to let you know there is an opponent there.

“It just gives you that confidence. He’s great to learn from and great to play alongside.”

The 1-1 draw against Bristol City was Ballard’s 13th League appearance for Sunderland, and the only defeat among them came when the Black Cats were reduced to ten men against Swansea in January.

Read more Sunderland news