The Black Cats featured in their first Premier League fixture since 2017 on Saturday, defeating West Ham 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on a historic afternoon on Wearside.
Ballard was the top performer throughout the match, earning a 9.5 Flashscore player rating - the highest of anyone in the Premier League across the opening fixtures, making him our Player of the Week.
The Northern Irishman excelled on his top-flight debut with a goal and a clean sheet, while also contributing a mammoth nine clearances and 10 duels won.
Ballard is a fan favourite in the north east and continued to impress with another fantastic showing in Sunderland's first Premier League win in over 3000 days.
The Black Cats are next in action against Burnley on Saturday, August 23rd.