Chris Rigg is certainly one of the stories of the season for Sunderland. But after a gruelling 32 games so far, maybe it’s time he got a break.
Many expected Chris Rigg to really step up and be involved with the first-team this season, after making 21 league appearances last season and featuring heavily in pre-season under Regis Le Bris.
But few envisioned Rigg become a key player for the Black Cats. He’s already made 28 Championship appearances in 2024/25 with four goals and one assist to his name.
Last time out, Sunderland beat Luton Town in a routine win on Wearside. But fans were unimpressed Rigg who they thought looked leggy and in need of a break, with the 17-year-old since the Boxing Day draw at Blackburn Rovers.
Le Bris now has some fresh faces re-joining the team too. Alan Browne and Romaine Mundle are set to feature against Leeds United on Monday and it could be a good time to rest Rigg.
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Gary Bennett worried Chris Rigg faces Sunderland axe
With Mundle back, is opens up a real dilemma on the left flank. Enzo Le Fee is shining in that area and he’s probably undroppable right now. There’s also Tommy Watson nearing a return to fitness.
Le Bris simply has to keep Le Fee in the side, but with Mundle having been so impressive earlier in the campaign, it could mean moving Le Fee into the middle. That, in turn, could see Rigg axed from the XI.
Speaking on Total Sport, former Sunderland man Gary Bennett explained: “I think they’ll both get the nod [Mundle and Le Fee]. But I think at the end of the day, what we’ve seen of Le Fee, he’s going to be first one on the team sheet. What you’re looking at is where do you fit him in?
“I think the first one that jumps out at you is, if Le Fee does go and play in midfield, usually what happens is the youngest one misses out, and that’s Chris Rigg.”
Chris Rigg’s transfer value at Sunderland revealed
If Sunderland don’t earn promotion this season then it looks like Rigg could be the one who’s snapped up the quickest, with several reports of Premier League interest in the midfielder.
And recently, it’s been revealed that Sunderland value Rigg at £25million ahead of the summer, with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United fronting the race to sign Rigg.
But if he doesn’t play a lot of football between now and the end of the season then it could certainly have an impact on whether or not he leaves the club in 2025, and likewise how much he eventually leaves for.
Either way, Le Bris having so many talented options to choose from is certainly a positive. The Black Cats are back in action at Leeds United on Monday night, with kick off at 8pm.