Sunderland’s Chris Rigg burst onto the scene as a 15-year-old in an FA Cup tie at Shrewsbury Town in January 2023. In doing so, he became the club’s youngest-ever outfield player. Last season he became the Black Cats’ youngest-ever goalscorer when he netted against Southampton in a 5-0 win.
Fast forward to this season and Rigg is an important first-team player not only with Sunderland but also England’s youth teams. Many of Europe’s top clubs are now monitoring his progress as the next big thing. His performances have been nothing short of outstanding and teams in the Championship should be terrified about coming up against this future superstar and his teammates.
Chris Rigg’s on Fire at Sunderland
Having risen through the ranks at the Academy of Light at a rapid rate, Chris Rigg has gone from a 15-year-old unknown into a 17-year-old being scouted by the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United. Should he continue to develop at his current rate, then there’s no reason why Sunderland’s Chris Rigg cannot be the next big thing.
Second Only to Barcelona Star This Season
For players 20 years old or younger, only Barcelona and Spain international Lamine Yamal has more goal-creating actions per 90 this season than Sunderland’s own young star Chris Rigg. His audacious backheel goal to secure victory over Middlesbrough last weekend showed his confidence, a confidence that is only likely to grow the more he plays and helps his team continue their excellent start to the season.
Only Lamine Yamal has more goal-creating actions per 90 this season for players 20 or younger, than Sunderland's Chris Rigg. ✨#SAFC https://t.co/gJ87EqZl5U pic.twitter.com/73MUQ9SrBA
— JLA (@JLA_FC) September 25, 2024
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Chris Mepham Couldn’t Believe Chris Rigg’s Talent
New Sunderland signing Chris Mepham, on loan from Bournemouth, delivered his verdict on Sunderland’s young star. The Wales international defender who made his debut in the victory over Middlesbrough said: “I must admit I didn’t realise how young Chris was probably until about a week in. I couldn’t believe it.
“He carries himself like he’s been around for years. On the pitch, he looks so cool, calm and collected and also he’s a top, top guy. It’s important to keep him down to earth and humble. I have no doubts he’ll have an unbelievable career. When you see him day in, day out you get a gauge of what a player’s like and you expect to see him on a Saturday.
“He took the game by the scruff of the neck. I haven’t been here long but there’s definitely a top, top player there. It’s just the way he carries himself, he’s vocal on the pitch. Typically a 17-year-old might be a bit more inclined to keep himself to himself or be a bit more reserved.
“He’s 17 and he has the respect of everyone inside the club, rightly so. It gives him the freedom to lead. The combination of that and his quality on the ball, it’s an amazing combination.”
Read More: Premier League Defender Joins Sunderland
Chris Rigg’s On Fire and the Sky Is the Limit
At 17, Rigg has plenty of time on his side, the time to fulfil his huge potential and become a top player for club and country. It’s little wonder that some of Europe’s top clubs are looking at him with a chequebook in hand. However, should Sunderland achieve their ambition of returning to the Premier League and Rigg stays grounded, fans will have their fingers crossed that the club can hold on to the player for as long as possible.
The sky is truly the limit for Chris Rigg.
