Chris Rigg is preparing for his first full season in Sunderland’s senior squad.
The midfielder made his Championship debut in the 5-0 win over Southampton in September, becoming the club’s youngest ever league goalscorer.
He then managed a handful of cameo appearances under Tony Mowbray, before featuring only once in the following three months.
Rigg was re-introduced by Mike Dodds and went onto become a vital player for Sunderland, before penning his first professional contract this summer.
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Rigg thanks Sunderland teammates for helping him
The teenager is expected to take up a regular role in the squad heading into the new campaign after such an impressive step up from the academy and has now thanked two of his teammates for helping him since he was promoted to the first-team.
When Chronicle Live mentioned Dan Neil and Elliot Embleton, he responded: “I was going to mention the names of those two there, honestly they’re so good with me and I’ve learnt a lot off Embo and Dan.
“Obviously, they play in a similar position as well. Seeing what they’ve done at the start of their careers, I believe they’ll also reach the top level, so, it’s about trying to follow in their footsteps.”
Dan Neil is the perfect role model for Rigg
Neil is definitely the perfect person to look up to for Rigg, given his rise up from the academy.
The 22-year-old was another player who was thrust into the limelight at an early age and attracted interest from clubs in the Premier League, but opted to stay on Wearside.
Neil’s development certainly hasn’t been easy and there has been times where he was been visibly burnt out and it has affected his form.
However, as he has grown at the club, his progression and improvement in areas that he had previously struggled with have become clear, and he is now a brilliant all-rounder.
Neil should have proven to Rigg why he will massively benefit from staying at Sunderland for at least a few years, as he now looks in a much better position to move to the top flight and actually be ready to play regular football.
Of course, Embleton isn’t in quite the same position after two years of injury problems, but it is nice for the three of them to have each other to help develop as players and people, while also sharing the same struggles after coming up from the academy.
Rigg could certainly go much further than both of his teammates, but he will definitely have them both to thank if he does.