Dan Ballard underlined his importance to Sunderland at both ends of the pitch with an outstanding display capped by a goal, as the Black Cats marked their Premier League return with a 3-0 victory over West Ham United on Saturday.
The Northern Ireland international made a vital clearance off the line with the match locked at 0-0 before he scored Sunderland's second goal to put them firmly in control.
Ballard is one of three Sunderland representatives chosen (reluctantly) by the Premier League's record goalscorer Alan Shearer - a legend for Sunderland's arch-rivals Newcastle United - in his Team of the Week, along with Habib Diarra and manager Regis Le Bris.
David Raya (Arsenal)
"Outstanding as he kept Manchester United at bay, making fabulous saves to deny debutants Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo and earn a clean sheet."
Dan Ballard (Sunderland)
"It pains me to choose two Sunderland players, but Ballard had to be included - he was immense. Made an impressive goal-line clearance from El Hadji Malick Diouf when it was 0-0 and then scored a thumping header to double Sunderland's lead."
Watch: Ballard's goal v West Ham
Absolute colossus 💪 pic.twitter.com/wB1bnOiaLu
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 18, 2025
Dan Burn (Newcastle)
"Solid as a rock in defence. He won every challenge and every header to frustrate Villa."
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
"Real authority at the back in a dominant defensive display that thwarted Chelsea's attacking threat."
Mohammed Kudus (Spurs)
"Two great assists for Richarlison. Burnley had the best defence in the Championship last season but couldn't handle his pace and trickery."
Habib Diarra (Sunderland)
"Ran the show at the heart of Sunderland's midfield. He broke into the box with power and purpose."
Tijjani Reijnders (Man City)
"He was off the scale. A class act. Man City have a top, top player here."
Antoine Semenyo (AFC Bournemouth)
"Impressive all night and scored two great goals to bring Bournemouth right back into the match."
Richarlison (Spurs)
"A bit-part player last season but he's made a brilliant start to this campaign, scoring twice - including a stunning scissor kick."
Erling Haaland (Man City)
"New season, more goals. Haaland is up and running already!"
Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)
"Picked up where he left off last season and scored two goals with a couple of assured finishes."
Manager: Regis Le Bris (Sunderland)
"Premier League debuts don't get much better than this for managers - three goals, a clean sheet and a winning start."