‘We want to’: Manager shares plan for ‘aggressive’ Arsenal prospect he’s just signed on loan

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Millwall boss Gary Rowett has told the South London Press his plan to develop Dan Ballard after signing the Arsenal defender on loan for the 2021/22 season.

Ballard moves to Millwall after helping Blackpool secure promotion into the Championship as League One play-off winners last term. The Gunners product impressed with his displays for the Seasiders, who football.london claim wanted to extend his stay.

Blackburn Rovers also wanted the 21-year-old, per Lancs Live, who noted a host of second-tier sides were exploring deals. But Rowett is delighted to see Millwall reach an agreement with Arsenal, as he sees a lot of potential.

Rowett has praised Ballard for his ability to win the ball back, but wants the Arsenal product to do more with it at Millwall. It is the key area he wants the Northern Ireland international to improve during his time at The Den.

“I’d seen quite a lot of him last season and I watched a little bit more in the summer,” Rowett said. “The more I watched, the more I saw some really good potential. I think he will suit the way we want to play.

“He is one that is very, very aggressive. He’s one that has shown good composure on the ball, but can show a little bit more – in the sense of stepping in with a little bit of build-up play. That is something we want to bring out of his game.”

Ballard must step up under Rowett at Millwall for Arsenal future

Ballard impressed while on loan at Blackpool last season, with some Arsenal fans awash with praise after his play-off win. The Gunners will now hope to see their eight-cap talent step up and fulfil Rowett’s plans after joining Millwall.

The centre-half has coped with the pressure of international football since his Northern Ireland debut last September. But the challenge of Championship football will be different to the pressure he endured in League One last term.

Rowett appears confident that Ballard will be a success at Millwall during his time on loan from Arsenal, though. He gained a better appreciation of the defender the more he saw of him at Blackpool, but now has the chance to see what he has in store day in, day out.