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Dan Ballard says Granit Xhaka's arrival raised the standards at Sunderland to help them compete in the top half of the Premier League.
Switzerland midfielder Xhaka was one of several summer signings following the club's promotion from the Championship through the play-offs.
The 33-year-old, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen, was installed as captain, and his leadership has had a clear impact on a side that has settled right back into life in the top flight.
Sunderland are currently eighth in the table - just two points off the top four - following their 1-0 derby win against Newcastle on Sunday.
Ballard, who was in Arsenal's academy when Xhaka was at the Gunners, told Football Focus: "He's an amazing guy.
"I was a bit surprised when we signed him. I wasn't sure what it'd be like. I didn't think one person could affect the team the way he's done.
"From minute one, I think the standards really rose because he does everything to 100%.
"It's kind of like, well if he's got that amazing career and he's still doing everything perfectly, why wouldn't we? And I think it just sort of lifted the standards."
Sunderland have won seven and lost just four of their 16 league games, and Ballard attributed Xhaka's influence to that winning mentality.
"I mean literally everything, from the work in the gym to the standards, he puts out on the training pitch," added the centre-back, 26.
"You know we've just been outside, it can be cold and wet and but he's 100% focused and giving everything in training.
"So when some of us boys may be not putting that work in and you see him doing it, it's unacceptable for us.
"If he's doing it, he's won titles and played hundreds of games in the Premier League. Then why shouldn't we? It's lifted everyone."
While Xhaka is new at Sunderland, Ballard has been with the Black Cats since 2022 and was a key player in last season's promotion.
Prior to his move, he did not make a senior appearance in three seasons with Arsenal.
Now a Premier League regular and Northern Ireland international, Ballard said he didn't have the easiest pathway into professional football.
"I wasn't really the best player in my age groups and stuff," he added.
"I had to fight for every opportunity and every chance. It wasn't smooth sailing, but coming up at an academy like that [Arsenal's], there's so many good coaches and so many people to teach you things if you're willing to listen and learn.
"You can start a career out there for yourself, and I've managed to do that."
While both Xhaka and Ballard have impressed with their performances, the club's boss has received a lot of credit too.
French coach Regis le Bris joined in the summer of 2024 and his tactical nous has been key to Sunderland getting impressive results - winning at Chelsea, drawing with Premier League leaders Arsenal and reigning champions Liverpool at Anfield, and overseeing the win against rivals Newcastle.
"He's been amazing for us, a really good fit," said Ballard.
"It was a really young team last year, but the way he plays and sets things out so simply [is key].
"He knows exactly what he wants, and he'll tell you exactly what he wants, and there's no beating around the bush, he's always coaching you.
"I've learned so much, probably more in the last year of my career than all the years before that.
"He has got us playing really well this last year, and he's made us a really strong, competitive team."
