Régis Le Bris believes that teenage prodigy Chris Rigg could be utilized in up to three different positions for Sunderland this season.
The 17-year-old signed his first professional contract with the club this summer, despite strong transfer interest from Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United. Rigg has swiftly progressed through the youth ranks, primarily as a central midfielder.
During the 2023-24 season, Rigg was often deployed as a right winger by Mike Dodds toward the end of the campaign. This move was aimed at easing him into senior football without the pressure of playing in central midfield.
Last weekend against Cardiff City in the Championship, Le Bris brought Rigg on to replace Patrick Roberts on the right wing. However, in the Carabao Cup match against Preston North End on Tuesday, Rigg started as a central midfielder.
Speaking to The Echo after the Preston match, Le Bris commented on Rigg’s versatility: “He’s still a young player, so I think he can play on the right as a winger, but only out of possession because in 1v1 situations, it’s not his strongest position.”
Le Bris added, “But when he moves inside and creates a box, he plays very well. As a midfielder, in the position he played today, he can perform well. He can also operate as a number 10 in a 4-4-2 formation. So, these three positions suit him and benefit the team.”
