Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has praised Chris Rigg’s development over the past year while suggesting that the teenage midfielder could have a bigger role to play in the weeks ahead.
Rigg has had to remain patient at the beginning of Sunderland’s latest Premier League campaign, with opportunities in the starting XI limited. However, Le Bris believes the youngster has made significant progress and is now a more confident player following his experience in the top flight.
The Frenchman has closely monitored Rigg’s development and feels there has been a “huge improvement” in the midfielder over the last 12 months. His first Premier League season provided valuable experience, and Le Bris believes that has helped strengthen the youngster’s confidence.
Rigg’s situation has required patience before. Last season, he featured in six of Sunderland’s opening nine games but was taken off early during the meeting with Aston Villa after Reinildo was sent off. He subsequently found himself on the fringes of the first-team picture for several months, with regular minutes difficult to secure.
However, Le Bris has continued to maintain his belief in the academy graduate.
The Sunderland boss has previously highlighted Rigg’s character, maturity and willingness to learn, qualities that have helped him establish himself despite his young age. He has also described the midfielder as an important representation of what Sunderland are trying to build at the club.
Le Bris hints at more opportunities for Rigg
Rigg has already shown during pre-season and his early appearances this campaign that he can make an impact when given the opportunity.
He has made two substitute appearances in the opening stages of the 2026/27 Premier League season and is still waiting for his first league start. His strong pre-season displays and impressive Carabao Cup performance against Hull City have nevertheless kept him firmly in Le Bris’ plans.
Rather than viewing his limited involvement as a setback, Le Bris appears to see the current period as another stage in Rigg’s development.
The manager has indicated that the teenager must remain ready because his opportunity will arrive. When it does, the expectation is that Rigg will be able to take advantage of it.
That message should encourage the Sunderland youngster, particularly after he experienced frustration over his limited involvement last season. Le Bris previously held a one-to-one conversation with Rigg to help him deal with that frustration and change his outlook.
For Sunderland, Rigg represents more than just another midfield option. His development fits closely with the club’s wider emphasis on developing young talent, while Le Bris has repeatedly shown a willingness to give promising academy players opportunities.
With the Premier League season continuing to gather pace, Rigg could therefore find himself playing a more prominent role if he continues to impress in training and takes his chances when called upon.
Le Bris’ latest comments suggest that patience remains the key message, but the door is certainly open for Rigg to earn more minutes and strengthen his position within Sunderland’s first-team plans.
