Sunderland starlet has been told he was easily their ‘most dangerous player’ during a narrow 1-0 win over West Brom yesterday.
Sunderland looked set for a tough afternoon at The Hawthorns yesterday as they were dominated by West Brom for much of the first half.
However, Brandon Thomas-Asante’s red card just before half-time gave them a major lifeline, with Pierre Ekwah instantly taking advantage and netting the only goal of the game just a few minutes later.
The Baggies were unable to get going again in the second half and the Black Cats headed back to Wearside after doing the double over this weekend’s opponents.
Sunderland now have five clean sheets in their last six games and have claimed ten points from a possible 12 against Leeds United and West Brom this season – all coming under Mike Dodds.
Dodds’ side put on a very solid defensive display yet again, however it is one of their attackers that has received plenty of praise following the victory.
Sunderland’s ‘most dangerous player’ made three key passes
Chris Rigg was hailed as Sunderland’s ‘most dangerous player’ after making only his sixth start of the campaign.
The 16-year-old started out wide again yesterday afternoon and really shone. Rigg had 25 touches, completed 20 passes and made three key passes.
After the game, Rigg was given a seven rating by theSunderland Echo, as journalist Phil Smith wrote: “A very impressive performance. Sunderland’s most dangerous player on the ball in an otherwise average first half showing, finding the wing back in some good positions. Kept it up after the break. Looked so at ease against good opposition.”
Where will Chris Rigg play next season?
It was another professional performance by Chris Rigg, who is starting to look more composed, grown-up and truly impressive every time he steps on the pitch for Sunderland.
The teenager was Sunderland’s best player during our really tricky spell and has continue to show his importance to the team, even against really tough opposition.
It’s understandable why Dodds continues to substitute him fairly early in the second half as we look to avoid tiring him out of overexposing him, but we certainly need to keep starting him and prepare him for playing a vital role next term.
I imagine he will move back into central midfield next term as we look to boost our attack, but I think he looks a lot more influential there and is often allowed to roam out wide anyway.
Now that he has broken into the starting line-up I would be incredibly surprised to see him leave, so we really just need to enjoy his spectacular presence next season before he inevitably joins a top club over the next few years.