Sunderland's plans for Chris Rigg revealed as Regis Le Bris discusses teenager
ABSENCE truly does make the heart grow fonder. Regis Le Bris never doubted just how important Chris Rigg was to Sunderland’s development this season, but it was only when the teenager was unavailable around the turn of the year that the Black Cats head coach was reminded just how pivotal he has become.
A minor ankle injury issue forced Rigg to sit out the league games against Stoke City, Sheffield United and Portsmouth, and while a midfield replacement was available in the shape of Adil Aouchiche, Rigg’s absence meant Le Bris had to overhaul much of what his side was doing.
Tactics, shape, attacking creativity – Rigg is essential to all of them, So, while there were always going to be discussions over the 17-year-old’s future when the transfer window reopened at the turn of the year, Le Bris and the rest of the Sunderland hierarchy were adamant the academy product would be going nowhere. If the Black Cats are to achieve what they are hoping to this season, keeping Rigg fit and firing will be essential.
“He (Rigg) is really impressive,” said Le Bris, ahead of this evening’s Tees-Wear derby trip to Middlesbrough. “For such a young player, he is so consistent.
“When we do the post-game analysis, you are trying to find the small details. With Chris, we understand that he is very talented with the ball, he can create many things and his left foot is very good, but out of possession, he is just as important for the team. That is because he is very smart and also intense.
“Sometimes, it is difficult to assess the importance of a player game after game. But when Chris is not on the pitch, it becomes clear.
“A few weeks ago, he struggled with an ankle injury and missed two or three games. We had to change the structure and at that moment, we could feel that the role he had was so well done. We could feel his lack of presence so yes, so far, he is really impressive.”
READ MORE:
Timetable for Mike Dodds' departure to take over as Wycombe boss is revealed
Regis Le Bris: 'It's worked - but that's not ideally the formation I want to play'
Le Bris was quickly made aware of Rigg’s talent when he took over as Sunderland boss, with the youngster having made his senior breakthrough at the age of just 16 under Tony Mowbray.
The Black Cats boss admits he often forgets just how young Rigg is – he does not turn 18 until June – but he also feels that Rigg’s level of maturity means he does not need any special treatment despite his tender years.
There will be times when Rigg is taken out of the team between now and the end of the season, but that will be the same for all of Sunderland’s players as they head into the business end of the season. There will be no special treatment for Rigg just because he is not yet old enough to vote.
“Do I sometimes forget how old he is? Yes. Really, yes, I do. He is not a young player, and it is clear we are better with him playing.
“He has played so many full games, and if you want to compete with Leeds, Burnley and Sheffield United, you have to maintain your level at 100 per cent. A young player, or an old player, if they play all the minutes, they will get tired.
“So, for the later stages of the season, it is probably better if we can play 65 minutes with one player and then 35 with another. And if we have another game three days later, we can change that position. That would be the best way to manage our performance.”
Rigg is set to be part of Sunderland’s starting line-up at Boro this evening, with Le Bris’ main selection decision revolving around whether to select Patrick Roberts or Eliezer Mayenda in an attacking role.
