One Sunderland star could be about to make his first start for the club.
Sunderland are enduring their worst form for years at the moment, with yesterday’s defeat to Norwich City becoming their fourth in a row.
Despite a number of horrific performances, the Black Cats seem to be heavily relying on the same players week in week out.
Lack of experience and squad depth in the team means the likes of Luke O’Nien, Pierre Ekwah and Jobe Bellingham have continued to keep their places in the starting line-up.
The latter two have played alongside Dan Neil for a majority of Sunderland’s games, though it is only the latter that is particularly deserving of his place in that midfield three.
Sunderland didn’t have much other option but to play the three earlier in the season, however the regular impressive cameos from Chris Rigg are raising questions as to why he hasn’t started a game yet.
The teenager went two months without an appearance for the club, however he has now come on in four of their last seven games in the Championship.
Rigg has looked much better than his teammates when coming on and many fans have called for him to be handed his first start, but that is yet to happen.
However, Mike Dodds has now admitted that he is ‘very close’ to taking the next step, suggesting he could well be used against Leicester or Southampton.
Speaking to Sunderland Echo, Dodds said: “”Riggy has trained really, really well and I think he’s a huge asset for the football club. I’ve got nothing but positives to say about him. He’s very, very close to the team.
“I’m really happy with Riggy, he’s someone who wants to do well for the football club and those types of players are really important not just for me but for the football club.”
Should Chris Rigg be starting for Sunderland?
Chris Rigg’s minutes on the pitch have been very limited this season and it is hard to see why.
The 16-year-old put a lot of trust and commitment into Sunderland when he decided to sign his first scholarship with us, despite interest from the Premier League. He then went onto score his first senior goal against Southampton and certainly hasn’t been rewarded for it.
Rigg has been easily one of our best players when he has been brought on in recent weeks and should probably have started yesterday, with Jobe Bellingham putting on another underwhelming display.
With two games next week, there is absolutely no excuse not to hand him his start. With both Jobe and Pierre Ekwah struggling for a large chunk of this campaign, it wouldn’t be surprising if Rigg enjoys a long run in the team once he gets his chance.