Régis Le Bris says Chris Rigg has taken a big step as Sunderland youngster shines in pre-season | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Régis Le Bris believes Chris Rigg has taken a big step in his development after impressing in pre-season, having operated centrally while team-mates are phased back following World Cup commitments.

Rigg scored in the opener at York City, then impressed against Liverpool in Nashville, setting up Enzo Le Fée’s goal.

Competition for places will be significant this season, but Le Bris says Rigg is positioning himself to play a major part. He considers the teenager more mature than at this stage last season and describes the progress as a big step, praising his commitment, intensity and alignment with the club’s identity. He added that game time speeds learning and that links with Enzo and Granit are pushing him on, with hopes for big surprises and a positive platform.

Rigg is set to start again on Friday when Sunderland face Leeds United in New Jersey. Sunderland will welcome back Nilson Angulo, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Robin Roefs, Brian Brobbey and Simon Adingra, while Jocelin Ta Bi remains absent.

Le Bris said a visa issue is still unresolved, so Ta Bi will join up next week in Sunderland. The plan is to push a few players to 60 minutes against Leeds, with World Cup returnees playing 30, and to mix the squad. Another outing against Wrexham is likely to be 45-45, though he stressed there will not be a single rule for everyone.

Source: Sunderland Echo