Régis Le Bris weighs Chris Rigg role before York City friendly | OneFootball

Régis Le Bris must decide where Chris Rigg fits best, with Saturday’s trip to York City likely to offer the first clues of Sunderland’s pre-season.

Only 19, Rigg enters a pivotal fourth summer with the senior squad after first linking up aged 15 in 2023-24. Sunderland Echo notes intensifying competition has sharpened the tactical question.

His rise has been rapid. He has scored derby winners, eclipsed one of Gareth Bale’s Championship records, become Sunderland’s youngest outfield player and goalscorer, and the League Cup’s youngest scorer.

His first Premier League season brought fewer minutes than the promotion campaign. After 47 appearances in 2024-25, he played 20 times last term, often from the right rather than centrally.

Sunderland want an elite right winger, which could further limit Rigg out wide. A central switch is not simple, with Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fée competing there.

European commitments add at least eight extra fixtures, so rotation will be necessary and injuries inevitable. In that context, Rigg’s ability to cover multiple roles should be an asset.

He offers energy, aggression and smart movement between the lines, plus a readiness to receive under pressure. He has targeted physical gains with extra off-season work alongside Carl Lawson, Rees Greenwood, Tommy Watson and Josh Robertson.

His role at York, and through pre-season, will hint at Le Bris’ plan. One friendly will not define him, but emerging patterns could shape an important campaign for a still 19-year-old.

Source: Sunderland Echo