New Henderson looks like Sunderland’s future captain

Director of football Florent Ghisolfi said Regis Le Bris’ players have been informed of a simple command this season: “Be Sunderland”.

Sometimes, simplicity translates into success, and Sunderland have found form by maintaining the club’s ethos and identity.

With 43 points after 31 games on their return to the Premier League, the Black Cats avoided relegation in the final games of the season.

Before the March break, Sunderland completed two wins over their rivals Newcastle United, Brian Brobbey was the hero when St. James’ Park is silenced with a stunning victory.

Who epitomized the Sunderland DNA to ensure Le Bris’ success. Granit Xhaka, of course, was chosen ahead of Jordan Henderson to lead the charge.

Xhaka vs Henderson in the Premier League

When Sunderland signed Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal rising to £17m, few would have expected him to perform at a level above the average European midfielder.

But he has been the “signing of the season” in the Premier League, according to Wayne Rooney experts. It’s a sentiment shared by many – and not just on Wearside.

Xhaka, 33, not only led with the armband, but inspired his teammates and proved to be the perfect representative of Le Bris’s tactical vision. Without him, Sunderland would be in a tough spot.

Ahead of the campaign, many favored a possible return for Henderson, who left his youth club for Liverpool back in 2011. Henderson, now 35, returned to the Premier League last year and has helped Brentford throughout their successful season, but Xhaka has surpassed him, and Le Bris will not regret his decision.

However, Xhaka is no spring chicken, and while he is under contract until 2028, the veteran will need to pass on the armband at some point.

There is no guarantee that he will see that deal through, and a replacement will be needed.

Sunderland already have Le Bris’ next captain

Sunderland have been on a roll this season, but when Xhaka was out of the starting XI due to injury in January and February, they lost four out of five games.

Others need to step up, and in time, that could be Dan Ballard, who has become a force to be reckoned with since joining the club from Arsenal in 2022.

The 26-year-old defender has formed a powerful partnership with Omar Alderrete, who are impressively allowing 6.9 clearances per game in the Premier League while winning 60% of his tackles. It is this strong defensive standard that has allowed Sunderland to play without fear, avoiding the drag of a relegation battle all season.

The former Arsenal academy star has been very reliable in all situations, rarely getting caught out even against the world’s best forwards.

In that, he shares a core, essential quality with ex-Mackem man Henderson, whose successful career has been built on solid, diligent planning and an unwavering mindset.

Ballard, a successful Northern Ireland international, is ready to take the next step in his development, especially considering that the voices of Sunderland fans see him as a ‘modern big man’ and someone who can lead down the field, reliable in all situations.

Despite being hit by injury last season, he still played a key role in the Black Cats’ promotion drive, hailed as a “diamond” at the Stadium of Light by former manager Tony Mowbray.

A natural-born leader and someone who has been instrumental in Sunderland’s growth over the past few years, Ballard is now matching his positive thinking and leadership with top-class performances in the Premier League. He is thriving and here to stay.

The hope will be that Xhaka will continue to perform for the next few years, but if the Swiss veteran ends up leaving before his contract expires, Le Bris still has a replacement to wear the armband and strengthen Sunderland’s position in the big time.

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