Sunderland fans have a new rising star in Chris Rigg. At just 17 years old, Rigg is quickly becoming a fan favorite after starting the last three Championship games for the Black Cats and making a strong case for a permanent spot in Regis Le Bris’ starting XI.
In Sunderland’s recent 3-1 victory over Portsmouth, Rigg’s performance drew further praise. Described as a ‘generational player,’ Rigg’s skillful play in midfield, characterized by his sharp turns and precise passing, is making the transition from defense to attack seem effortless.
Despite his promising start, Le Bris is mindful of managing Rigg’s development carefully. Having signed his first professional contract in the summer, Rigg is contracted to Sunderland until 2027. He aims to establish himself as a key player this season after making 21 Championship appearances and scoring twice last year.
Le Bris has shared his strategy for Rigg’s game time this season. With the recent additions of midfielders Milan Aleksic and Salis Abdul Samed, Le Bris plans to rotate his midfield options to maintain performance levels throughout the season. He stated, “We need to ensure Rigg recovers well after games and build a midfield capable of sustaining high levels across the season. With five midfielders, we can rotate effectively, allowing players to rest as needed.”
Le Bris is determined to avoid the pitfalls seen with Jobe Bellingham last season, who, despite his impressive 45 appearances, often lacked rest due to limited midfield depth. With new signings and existing players like Alan Browne and Ian Poveda, Le Bris now has the depth to manage Rigg’s workload, ensuring he can remain impactful throughout the season.
Both Rigg and Sunderland appear to be on a positive trajectory, signaling a bright future ahead.
