Arsenal U23 defender Dan Ballard is to be sent out on loan once again. This time to a Championship side as he steps up his personnel development.
Championship Experience for Arsenal Defender Dan Ballard
Destination Unknown
According to the Blackpool Gazette, Arsenal are set to let Dan Ballard gain further experience out on loan. But only this time will it be to a Championship club. His destination at this moment is still to be decided. However, they report that there are several established Championship clubs in the race for his signature.
Ballard a Sought After Centre Back
Dan Ballard is a highly promising centre-back in the Arsenal ranks. His potential was showcased last season where he enjoyed a very successful season on loan at Blackpool. With the Seasiders, he achieved promotion to the Championship with their Play-Off final victory. The defender played the entire match at Wembley and was a key figure during his time by the seaside.
Now, Arsenal want to loan him out to a Championship side. There will be a queue of clubs interested in this services. Yet Blackpool might hold the key due to his rapid development experience with the club setup. Another key factor would be to have a manager who is almost guaranteed to give him the game time he craves.
Arsenal Defender Dan Ballard Earned Extended Stay at Blackpool
The Seasiders originally signed the youngster on loan in October last season. Through his strong performances, Arsenal agreed on the extension of Ballard’s spell at the club through to the end of the season. The 21-year-old centre-back appeared in 38 games and scored two goals last season for Neil Critchley’s side.
It was his second taste of life in the Football League having played on loan at Swindon Town two seasons ago.
Despite his tender age of 21-years-old, Ballard is already an international for Northern Ireland. He featured in seven games during 2020 further fixtures this year. The young international is highly thought of within the setup.
Blackpool Reaction
Upon his loan extention with Blackpool back in January of this year, the club described him as: “A commanding presence in defence, the 21-year-old has featured eight times in tangerine to date, helping the side to keep four clean sheets in the process.”
Upon confirmation of the deal, the defender said: “I’m extremely happy to extend my loan until the end of the season. I’ve enjoyed my time here so far and I want to continue helping the team push up the table.
“I’ve felt comfortable from the first minute I arrived. In my mind, this is the best place for me to be playing my football at the moment.”
Meanwhile, his manager gave his thoughts on the defenders’ extension: “Daniel plays like a leader, with real character and personality on the pitch. He’s been terrific to work with and will continue to improve and get better.
“We thank Arsenal for entrusting us with Daniel’s development. Now we look forward to having him for the second part of the season.”
After a successful season, the defender, along with Arsenal, will choose his next destination wisely as he continues to carve a promising career.
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